Quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Why Taylor Heinicke signing turns up the heat on Desmond Ridder

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/14/23

Taylor Heinicke has proven himself to be a capable starting quarterback in the NFL.

And that’s likely what the Atlanta Falcons were banking on when they signed Heinicke to a two-year contract worth up to $20 million on Tuesday to backup 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder.

Taylor Heinicke is signing a two-year, $14 million deal with the Falcons. As part of it, he gets ...

• A $4 million signing bonus.
• A $6.32 million guarantee.
• $7 million in cash each year.
• $3 million in playoff/playtime incentives each year.

Deal maxes at $20 million.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2023

The move likely signals the Falcons won’t target a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick in April’s draft, clearing the way for Ridder to be given first crack at locking down Atlanta’s starting quarterback job.

The 23-year-old went 2-2 as the Falcons starter during his rookie year after taking over for Marcus Mariota. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

But should Ridder falter at any point next season, it seems there will be little hesitation to turn the reins over to Heinicke, who has 25 games of starting experience.

The 29-year-old posted a 12-11-1 record as the starting quarterback of the Washington Commanders over the last two seasons — including a 5-3-1 record in 2022 — passing for 5,415 yards, 33 touchdowns and 21 interceptions with a passer rating of 87.5.

Taylor Heinicke's story is unreal:

• Undrafted out of college
• Cut by 5 teams in 4 years
• Backup QB in the XFL
• Slept on sister's couch
• Signed to WFT's practice squad
• Started 24 games in 2 years

And now he has a $20 million deal with his hometown Atlanta Falcons. pic.twitter.com/dlcvkzA5fj
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) March 14, 2023

Heinicke nearly led the Commanders to a playoff win in 2020 as well, falling just short to the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 31-23 defeat. In that game, Heinicke completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, a touchdown and an interception while rushing for 46 yards and another touchdown.

Heinicke will be 30 by the end of next season. If he plays any meaningful games in 2023, it likely means Atlanta could be back in the market for another starting quarterback at this time next year.

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