The Atlanta Falcons have one of the most expensive quarterback rooms in the league and would reportedly like to shed some of that money with a Taylor Heinicke trade. Last year, the team signed Heinicke to back up incumbent starter Desmond Ridder. Ridder couldn’t make the most of the opportunity, and Heinicke had to start in four games while making one appearance in relief. While on the field, the career journeyman completed 54.4% of his passes for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Since then, the Falcons spent big on free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins and used the eighth-overall pick on Michael Penix. With these two firmly entrenched into their respective roles, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports Atlanta doesn’t need a veteran third-string quarterback. Taylor Heincke might not be a franchise quarterback, but he is one of the better backups in the league and a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers could trade for him.
Falcons Want to Trade Taylor Heinicke, Chargers, Ravens Could Be Interested
Lamar Jackson is a top-five quarterback and will not have to worry about Heinicke stealing his job. However, with that disclaimer out of the way, Baltimore should look for a better Plan B in case injury strikes. With Tyler Huntley now on the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens don’t have an entrenched backup behind Jackson. Josh Johnson is currently the frontrunner for the job, but the career journeyman is not good enough to captain this offense if Jackson has to miss a few weeks.
The Ravens are doomed if Lamar Jackson suffers a season-ending injury, regardless of who the backup quarterback is. However, Taylor Heinicke could keep the ship afloat if Jackson has to miss a few weeks, which is easily enough to justify a trade. Jackson missed considerable time in two of the past three seasons, so an all-in team like the Ravens should have a better backup. Heinicke can’t bring this team to a Super Bowl, but he could some regular season games which could secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Herbert Insurance
Jim Harbaugh must work miracles to get something out of the Chargers offense. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is reportedly having a strong camp, but he’s the only player on this team with legitimate upside. No, Quentin Johnston doesn’t count. A healthy Justin Herbert can overcome a poor situation, but the quarterback suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. While most reports believe he will be ready for Week 1, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted he probably won’t be 100% for most, if not all, of the season. There is a good chance Herbert misses time at some point, which could be enough to justify a Taylor Heinicke trade.
Easton Stick played as well as could be expected in relief of Herbert last year, but it wasn’t enough to win any games. Since then, Los Angeles parted ways with their two best receivers and their top tight end. The Chargers need a better Plan B in the likely event Herbert needs some rest during the season, and Heinicke is the best choice for the job. Taylor Heinicke cannot play at a Pro Bowl level, but his impressive athleticism allows the trade target to create plays on his own, and that will be a necessary skill with this supporting cast.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
