ESPN reported that backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke has agreed to a reduced salary to continue playing for the Atlanta Falcons. According to the report on Monday, his base salary for the 2024 season was decreased from $5 million to $1.21 million. Additionally, his $1.32 million roster bonus was converted into a signing bonus. The report also states that Heinicke’s active roster bonus of $40,000 per game was eliminated from his contract, resulting in a reduction of his total cap number from $8.96 million to $4.53 million. The Falcons have made significant changes to their quarterback lineup during the offseason, including signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency and trading Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals. Heinicke, aged 31, posted a 1-3 record as a starter in his debut season with the Falcons in 2023, completing 54.4 percent of his passes for 890 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions. Overall, he holds a record of 13-15-1, accumulating 6,635 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 38 games (29 starts) with the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Washington (2020-22), and Atlanta.
