The Falcons are expected to add at least one quarterback to the roster this offseason, and nobody should be surprised if it were a couple.
That essentially makes Taylor Heinicke expendable. The club can save $7 million against the cap if they parted ways with the veteran, and the same scenario may play out with Desmond Ridder.
The third-round pick failed to stick as a starter, but that doesn’t mean he can’t carve out a role as a backup. Ridder possesses a lot of desirable traits for the job, and he’s on a cheap contract.
However, if the Falcons double dip in the quarterback market, there’s not really a need for three on the roster, making Ridder dispensable. Ian Rapoport believes potentially trading him is an option for the Falcons.
“Once they acquire a new QB, potentially trading Ridder would be an option, as well. It might be a situation where a fresh start works for all parties.”
There’s a distinct possibility that Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot decide to overhaul the quarterback position completely, bringing in a veteran to compete in 2024 while also investing in a younger option for the long term.
The club wouldn’t be able to get more than a Day 3 pick for Ridder, and moving his contract isn’t going to make a considerable difference on the Falcons’ cap sheet, though.
Still, as Rapoport stated, a split may be what’s best for both parties. Falcons fans certainly wouldn’t mind moving on, and maybe Ridder can somehow convince someone to give him another shot as a starter, but I doubt that will come to fruition.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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