Atlanta Falcons claim former Patriots, Jaguars quarterback

The Atlanta Falcons are still making headlines after their decision to sign former Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix weeks after signing Kirk Cousins ​​to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Amid all the gnashing of teeth over how Atlanta reworked the quarterback room, Taylor Heinicke had become the forgotten man. Earlier in April, Heinicke restructured his contract to reduce his base salary and cap hit for 2024.

The Falcons could have saved more money by simply releasing Heinicke, but the restructuring would cost them a little over $1 million in dead money if they released him now.

Heinicke’s place as Cousins’ replacement seemed tenuous at best with Penix being drafted, and the Falcons’ most recent move helps support that thought.

According to Adam Schefter, the Falcons have requested waivers from former New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nathan Rourke.

“The Atlanta Falcons – who signed QB Kirk Cousins ​​​​in free agency and then selected QB Michael Penix in the draft – filed a waiver claim this week for the former Patriots and United States QB. Jaguars Nathan Rourke, who was assigned to the New York Giants, according to source, ” Schefter reported on.

Rourke threw for nearly 7,500 yards as an Ohio Bobcat from 2017 to 2019. He spent time on the practice squads of the Patriots and Jaguars, among others, but has yet to throw a pass during an NFL game.

Rourke’s resume (and salary) looks much more like that of a third-string quarterback than Heinicke’s. While general manager Terry Fontenot has remained adamant about Cousins ​​being the Falcons’ starter in 2024, no one wants Heinicke taking away reps in practice, preseason or possibly games from Penix.

After being claimed by the Falcons, Rourke has a good chance of making the team. However, Taylor Heinicke’s days could be numbered as he seeks an opportunity in a less crowded quarterback room.