In a stunning turn of events for the Atlanta Falcons, reports have surfaced indicating their interest in trading away quarterback Taylor Heinicke, in a bid to alleviate some of the financial burden their quarterback room currently carries. Last season, the Falcons had signed Heinicke to serve as a backup to starting quarterback Desmond Ridder. However, Ridder failed to capitalize on his opportunity, leading Heinicke to start in four games and make one relief appearance. During his time on the field, the veteran completed 54.4% of his passes for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Fast forward to the present, the Falcons made significant investments in securing the services of free agent Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix with the eighth overall pick. With Cousins and Penix now firmly entrenched in their roles, it appears that Atlanta has no need for a veteran third-string quarterback. Notably, Josh Kendall of The Athletic has hinted at potential trade partners for Heinicke, with the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers emerging as potential suitors.
When it comes to the Ravens, it is clear that their star quarterback Lamar Jackson is in no danger of losing his starting job to Heinicke. However, the Ravens should be on the lookout for a more reliable backup option in case Jackson succumbs to injury. With Tyler Huntley now with the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens are left with journeyman Josh Johnson as their top backup. While Johnson may be serviceable, he lacks the ability to lead the offense effectively in Jackson’s absence. This has led to suggestions that Heinicke could be a valuable addition to the Ravens roster, providing a solid insurance policy should Jackson miss significant time.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a similar predicament, having bid farewell to key offensive weapons in the offseason. With Easton Stick as their current backup to Justin Herbert, the Chargers may seek to bolster their quarterback depth by acquiring Heinicke. While he may not be able to perform at a Pro Bowl level, his agility and playmaking ability could prove vital in a pinch, particularly with a supporting cast that lacks star power.
In conclusion, the Falcons’ desire to trade Taylor Heinicke could pave the way for a new chapter in the quarterback’s career, potentially benefiting teams like the Ravens and Chargers in their quest for stability at the backup position. Only time will tell if this rumored trade will come to fruition, but one thing is for certain – Heinicke’s value as a reliable backup is undeniable in a league where quarterback depth is of utmost importance.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
