Where Does Falcons' Taylor Heinicke Rank Among NFL Backup QBs?
Despite naming Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback for the 2023 season, the Atlanta Falcons did not shy away from acquiring a top-notch backup through free agency.
The team has inked a two-year, $14 million contract with former Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke, 30, brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons, having appeared in 25 games over the past two seasons. During that time, he amassed an impressive 5,232 passing yards, throwing 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Despite differing opinions on the Heinicke signing, there is support from former NFL head coach Marty Mornhinweg for Atlanta's choice of backup quarterback. In a feature for the 33rd Team, Mornhinweg ranked Heinicke as the eighth-best backup quarterback in the NFL, attributing this endorsement to his proven success in the league.
"Heinicke has a .500 record as a starter, so he's proven he can win games. He's the type of player who can inject confidence into a team when he's called upon," Mornhinweg writes.
With his Atlanta roots, Heinicke brings the potential for veteran leadership that Marcus Mariota could not provide. Last season, when Ridder was named the starter, Mariota opted to depart the team and undergo knee surgery instead of assisting the rookie QB in finding success. Heinicke's presence offers the hope of filling that leadership void left by Mariota's departure.
Should the situation arise where the Falcons need to rely on Heinicke to take the field this season, they can find comfort in having one of the NFL's elite backup quarterbacks.
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