Taylor Heinicke’s Financial Assist: Falcons Clear Cap Space

With the trade of Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Rondale Moore, it came as a surprise that Taylor Heinicke would become the Falcons’ backup for 2024.

It’s not that Ridder was significantly better than Heinicke; they both had similar performances when given the chance to start last season. 

Ridder’s impact on the team’s cap was minimal, with a cost of only around $1 million. 

In contrast, Heinicke’s presence on the Falcons’ roster would have amounted to a hefty $9 million expense. 

It could be argued that Ridder has a greater potential for growth, considering his relatively short time in the league compared to Heinicke, who is older.

Taylor Heinicke’s Cap Hit Reduced: Falcons Benefit

Recent developments have shed some light on the situation. 

Although it has not been officially announced, Over The Cap has recently revised Taylor Heinicke’s cap number to $4.5 million. 

That’s a much more acceptable number for a backup quarterback. 

The move provides the Falcons with approximately $4.5 million in cap space, bringing their total to just over $6 million for any further transactions.

Falcons’ Tight Budget: Challenges Ahead

$6 million may not be a substantial amount, especially when considering the Falcons’ need to sign their rookie class and maintain an emergency fund for potential opportunities that may arise during the season. 

Terry Fontenot has the ability to make any move, whether it’s a trade or a free-agent acquisition.

There are still a few players on the roster who could potentially be cut, and the Falcons have not made any contract restructuring moves so far this offseason. 

The Falcons have the potential to significantly increase their cap space by making a few strategic moves. 

However, they will only make those moves if they require the funds for another acquisition.