The Falcons are expected to sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, giving the former Commanders signal-caller a chance to start fresh in Atlanta
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Heinicke’s two-year deal could see him earn up to $20 million as a backup to presumptive Falcons starter Desmond Ridder. The 29-year-old quarterback will not be able to officially sign the deal until the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
An Atlanta native, Heinicke will head back to his hometown the day before his 30th birthday after a productive stint in the nation’s capital. The former Old Dominion quarterback, who began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2015, has started 24 games in Washington over the last two years due to injuries to starters Ryan Fitzpatrick and Carson Wentz.
Heinicke has performed admirably in that reserve role, posting a 12-11-1 record in those starts. Over the last two seasons, he’s completed 64.0% of his passes for 5,278 yards, 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Though Heinicke may be entering the room, the Falcons appear prepared to turn to Ridder—a third-round draft pick in 2022—as the team’s starter next season. The rising second-year signal-caller out of Cincinnati started four games down the stretch for Atlanta last year and went 2–2 in those appearances, guiding the team to a 7–10 overall record in a crowded NFC South.
