Taylor Heinicke's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

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.

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.

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.