JUST IN: Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot Reveals Falcons Are On The Verge Of Making QB Addition With Elite Premier QB and More Details on Desmond Ridder Trade

Kirk Cousins has secured the #1 spot on Atlanta’s quarterback depth chart. His acquisition has demoted Taylor Heinicke to backup responsibilities for the time being, but the latter may not have the QB2 position by the start of the 2024 season.
Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that Heinicke will face competition for the backup position. Last offseason, the Atlanta native joined the team as Desmond Ridder’s veteran insurance policy. However, neither quarterback did well enough on the field to deserve being named the 2024 starting, which fueled Cousins’ aggressive pursuit.

Atlanta presently has only $6.3 million in cap space, the majority of which will be used to sign the team’s upcoming rookie class. As a result, even a one-year contract with a veteran backup (like Ryan Tannehill or Carson Wentz) may be too pricey. Next month’s draft will present an opportunity to add a developmental passer at a reduced cost.

To that aim, the Falcons are among the teams planning a visit with Michael Penix Jr. However, if Atlanta utilizes the No. 8 choice on a position other than quarterback, the 2023 Heisman runner-up may be out of reach. Still, it’s not surprising that Heinicke will have to battle out a newcomer for the backup spot in training camp. The 31-year-old has one year remaining on his reworked contract, and a release would result in a $1.21MM cap savings and a $3.32MM dead cap charge.

Ridder was traded to the Cardinals shortly after the Cousins deal was finalized. That trade, which resulted in receiver Rondale Moore in return, provided the 2022 third-round pick with a fresh start following a disappointing stint as a starter in Atlanta. However, the trade was not arranged because Ridder wanted to depart.

“Desmond is a great kid,” Morris said D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He did not approach us and demand a transaction. He did not approach us and do anything like that… We saw an opportunity to increase the speed of our [receivers group]. “Desmond went out with class.”

Ridder will now focus on backing up Kyler Murray in Arizona. While the Cardinals’ QB depth chart (which includes Clayton Tune) is now complete, the Falcons’ will soon see an addition.