The New Orleans Saints or Baltimore Ravens may trade for former starting quarterback, Taylor Heinicke this upcoming season. According to a report, a source believes the Falcons could be moving on since drafting Michael Penix Jr. and signing Kirk Cousins in this year’s free agency. Heinicke is already admitting that he sees the writing on the wall for his release that the Falcons are bringing in quarterback Nathan Rourke as a potential no. 4 on the practice squad. He could be the possible replacement which wouldn’t be a bad move necessarily for Heinicke considering he was a solid starter during his time with the Washington Commanders.
However, no one should expect to get anything special when they acquire Heinicke, it would only be for a team’s depth but anything can happen. The Falcons could get a possible late-round pick in return if they’re desperate to move on from him since he’s already taking a pay cut. Heinicke doesn’t have a stellar career outlook since signing with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent but he was able to attract some eyes during his starting role in Washington. The journeyman passer could be on his way out and in a new uniform this upcoming season but it does make sense since the Falcons are heavily investing in Penix and Cousins.
One non-surprising trade candidate that could emerge in the coming weeks is the Saints. Heinicke would be a solid cost-effective temporary starter if they feel like Derek Carr isn’t producing with the weapons he has until next year’s draft. However, one should note that Josh Johnson is backing up one of the most premiere quarterbacks in the league, Lamar Jackson. It would be bad news if Jackson continues to miss time as he did before.
Saints, Ravens May Trade for Former Starting Quarterback Taylor Heinicke
Other Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is going to do the best that he can this upcoming season since he doesn’t have Mike Williams or Keenan Allen anymore. It’ll be up to Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer and DJ Chark even though they seem like temporary starters. The only exciting receiver on the wide receiver chart looks to be Ladd McConkey after impressing at workouts. However, if he becomes the only receiver to be reliable, Herbert may be bound to struggle which could lead to frustration and pressure from opposing defenses to find a target.
Heinicke should be brought in as solid depth to give Easton Stick some competition since he’s been a disappointment when he’s a starter. He couldn’t even bring a win for the Chargers considering the team was missing Herbert due to injury which he’s suffering this offseason as well. However, he should be ready for week one but the injury should be something to watch as the season progresses. Heinicke could keep this competitive to at least as a wild-card threat.
Chicago Bears
It’s all in the hands of Caleb Williams this season but no one knows what could happen. He’s an excellent prospect and now it’s time to prove what he’s been talking about all offseason. However, most rookies go through growing pains, and if they’re on the brink of getting out of playoff contention, they should bring in Heinicke to give the offense a fighting chance. Tyson Bagent is their backup but they should consider the experience that Heinicke has.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is never going to any other team for the rest of his career after the way he’s playing for the Chiefs. However, they’ve been active this offseason after signing Carson Wentz to a deal so one should anticipate that Kansas City could continue stocking up. If Wentz is another disappointing backup again then it may be Heinicke time if Mahomes suffers an injury. Even the greats have their limits and bad seasons so this is something to keep in mind.
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