NFL rumors reveal Atlanta Falcons would ‘prefer’ to trade this QB, 3 potential landing spots

Atlanta Falcons news, NFL rumors, Taylor Heinicke
Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons surprised everyone around the NFL this offseason by signing Kirk Cousins then weeks later using a first-round pick on Michael Penix Jr. Now, NFL rumors have emerged that the Falcons want to trade one of their quarterbacks before Week 1.

There have been very positive reports coming out of Falcons training camp. Coming off a torn Achilles, Cousins looks outstanding in team drills and is impressing the coaching staff as a leader. While Penix isn’t receiving a ton of opportunities, he’s also flashed impressive physical tools during his practice reps.

Related: Atlanta Falcons had stunning grade on Michael Penix

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With the top two spots on the Falcons depth chart taken, former starter Taylor Heinicke doesn’t have much of a role in Atlanta. He could be an excellent third-string quarterback, which has some value for a team with a rookie signal-caller and a 36-year-old coming off a major injury. However, Atlanta seems to view him in a different light.

According to Josh Kendall of The Athletic, the Falcons coaching staff is “behaving like it would prefer to get some trade value for Taylor Heinicke” over keeping him as the third-string quarterback.

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Heinicke, age 31, played in 5 games last season for Atlanta and his cap hit in 2024 ($4.53 million) is a relative bargain for a backup. Because of that, there are a few teams that could be quite interested in landing him.

Taylor Heinicke trade landing spots

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

There isn’t much of a path to a starting job with any NFL team right now. However, a trade would allow Heinicke to move up the depth chart. It would also be in the best interest of both he and the team acquiring him for a deal to happen before the regular season, which would give him time to learn the new offense.

Related: NFL predictions 2024, Atlanta Falcons season projection

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