CBS Sports ranks Taylor Heinicke among worst QB signings

When the Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke, they made it clear that he would serve as the backup to Desmond Ridder.

While an open competition at quarterback seems unlikely, Heinicke is an experienced veteran and therefore Ridder must perform if he wants to keep the job. After spending three seasons in Washington, Henicke signed a two-year, $14 million contract with his hometown Falcons in the offseason.

So where does this signing rank among quarterback moves this offseason? CBS Sports ranked all 15 notable QB changes and Heinicke came in at No. 13. Only the Buccanners’ signing of Baker Mayfied and the Dolphins’ acquisition of Mike White were ranked below Atlanta:

Heinicke’s spunk will be welcome in Atlanta, where Arthur Smith is still searching for his own long-term answer, but he’s not entirely dissimilar to Brissett in that he’s straddling the line between quasi-starter and high-end No. 2 money. The commitment isn’t big from the cap-loaded Falcons, who can cut him easily after 2023, but his presence would be more enticing if the unproven Desmond Ridder weren’t the “face of the franchise” in front of him. — Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports

Heinicke coming to Atlanta does seem like a bit of a relegation based on his previous performance in Washington. With 24 starts under his belt over the last two seasons, Heinicke has shown he can be more than just a quality backup QB.

While the Falcons are paying decent money to a guy who will likely not see the field, Heinicke is a good insurance policy if Ridder struggles to take the next step this season.