Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke took a pay cut recently from an expected $5 million base salary in 2024 to $1.21 million, according to Roster Management System. His $1.32 million roster bonus, which was due just after the league year began last month, was instead classified as a signing bonus. His $40,000 per game active roster bonus was also removed from his contract. The reduction in his deal lowers Heinicke's salary cap number from $8.96 million to $4.53 million, including a cash value of $2.53 million. If Atlanta were to release him, he would cost $3.32 million in dead money with only a cap savings of $1.21 million. The 31-year-old got a chance to start in 2023 when Desmond Ridder was benched, but Heinicke did nothing to separate himself and also got hurt. He'll enter 2024 as the backup to starter Kirk Cousins.
Falcons Seeking Upgrade Over Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder
The Atlanta Falcons finished 21st in the NFL in 2023 in EPA per dropback with quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder, according to TruMedia. Only six teams threw more than Atlanta's 17 interceptions, and Ridder added 12 lost fumbles. The Falcons appear to be just a quarterback away from being true contenders, and the team is primed to search for an upgrade over Heinicke and Ridder in 2024, either through the draft, free agency or the trade market under new head coach Raheem Morris. Depending on the signal-caller that the Falcons add this offseason, their offense should be expected to be much more aggressive under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, which should benefit key offensive pieces such as running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London.
Taylor Heinicke Inactive, Desmond Ridder To Start Sunday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 18 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable and was optimistic about his availability, but it appears that he wasn't quite healthy enough to play. In his absence, Desmond Ridder will return to the starting quarterback role. The 24-year-old has appeared in 14 games this season, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,545 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also has 193 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 31 sacks, and six lost fumbles. Fantasy managers should view Ridder as a fringe QB2 option heading into Sunday's contest.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) is hopeful that he can play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. However, he'll be monitored during pregame warmups before the team makes an official decision on his status. The 30-year-old has struggled over the last two weeks, completing just 53 percent of his passes for 392 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He remains off the fantasy radar for the time being.
The Atlanta Falcons have listed quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) as questionable to play in the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday in New Orleans against the Saints. Head coach Arthur Smith will put Heinicke through a workout prior to Sunday's game before deciding whether he'll be active. Heinicke injured his left ankle in the Week 17 loss to the Chicago Bears but was able to put in limited practices this week. If the 30-year-old doesn't feel good during pre-game workouts on Sunday, the Falcons will roll with Desmond Ridder in the regular season finale. Whoever starts under center for the Falcons will be a low-cost, low-upside DFS play at the QB position in a tough matchup on the road against the Saints defense.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) was once again a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This now back-to-back days that Heinicke was been limited during practice. At the moment, fantasy managers should consider Heinicke as questionable for Week 18 against the New Orleans Saints. The veteran signal-caller was horrendous last week. Heinicke threw three interceptions before being pulled out of the game. Desmond Ridder didn't do any better under center, so the Falcons don't have a good option for Sunday. Regardless of who starts, neither quarterback is worth a look in DFS contests or any fantasy championships.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said that quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) will be limited in Wednesday's practice. The fact that Heinicke will be able to practice on Wednesday is a good sign that he'll be available to play in the must-win Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints on the road. The 30-year-old veteran went just 10-for-29 for 163 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in the Week 17 loss to the Chicago Bears, but he did help his fantasy line with a rushing score. If Heinicke is healthy enough to play this weekend, he's expected to get the starting nod over Desmond Ridder, who has already been benched twice this year. At best, Heinicke would be a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in superflex leagues on Sunday against New Orleans.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said that quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) will do everything he can to play in the Week 18 regular season finale against the division-rival New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The team hopes to know by Friday and will prepare Desmond Ridder to start, just in case. Heinicke came down with a left-ankle injury in the Week 17 loss to the Chicago Bears and was benched late in the game after going 10-for-29 for 163 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The 30-year-old added 46 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Falcons QB situation has been dreadful this year. The fact that they are even considering Heinicke for another start this weekend is a testament to how underwhelming Ridder has been. Whoever starts under center for Atlanta against the Saints in a must-win game will be a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in superflex leagues.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke struggled to find much success at all during Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. The veteran quarterback completed 10-of-29 passing attempts for 163 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in the loss. It was an awful day for Heinicke who was benched for Desmond Ridder. It wasn't any better for Ridder who almost immediately threw an interception. It's uncertain who is going to start for the Falcons next week versus the New Orleans Saints. Regardless, neither quarterback is going to be a viable streaming option in any fantasy formats.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The veteran signal-caller was limited in practice earlier this week due to an ankle issue. However, it appears Heinicke is fine and should suit up for Sunday's game. Last week, Heinicke threw for 229 yards and a touchdown in the win. He does have a favorable matchup against Chicago's defense, but remains a bottom tier streaming option for Week 17.
