CBS suggests Atlanta Falcons QB could be trade bait

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the NFL world by drafting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall in the first round. Then Wednesday, the Falcons placed a waiver request for former New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars signal-caller Nathan Rourke.

But in all likelihood, the Falcons won’t have four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster this season. As a result, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports included veteran signal caller Taylor Heinicke on a list of quarterbacks who could be traded before the regular season.

“The former Washington Commanders starter has already taken a pay cut to remain as Kirk Cousins’ backup,” Benjamin wrote. “And that was before the Falcons spent the eighth pick in this year’s draft on Michael Penix Jr.

“Only due $4.5 million in 2024, Heinicke might easily prefer to start from scratch if Penix gets the No. 2 job, and his 29 career starts could call on a team desperate for immediate help.”

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Even if Penix doesn’t “win” the backup role to Heinicke after the preseason, it would be beneficial for the Falcons to make Penix the team’s No. 2 quarterback. Third-string signal callers cannot practice with the first or second team offense. Instead, No. 3 quarterbacks typically work with the scout team to help the defense prepare for the upcoming game.

That’s not a job teams want to give to a young quarterback drafted in the top 10. If Kirk Cousins ​​is going to start, then for his development Penix needs practice reps as a backup. ‘team.

Scott Kennedy of SI.com’s Falcon Report did not call Heinicke a trade candidate. But Kennedy agreed with Benjamin that Heinicke no longer really fit Atlanta’s quarterback plans.

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

Due to his experience and low salary, Heinicke should be an attractive target in the summer quarterback market for a team in need of depth. Heinicke has started 29 games in his career, including at least 4 games in each of the last three seasons.

With the Washington Commanders, Heinicke went 12-11-1 as a starter from 2021-22. He was 1-3 with the Falcons last season.

In 38 games, Heinicke averaged 6.9 yards per attempt with 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Last season, he completed 54.4% of his passes for 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in five games with Atlanta.