BREAKING: Atlanta Falcons Signing Former Commanders Quarterback

The Atlanta Falcons have signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke, formerly of the Washington Commanders.

The deal is reportedly for two-years and $20 million.

For the #Falcons and Taylor Heinicke, it’s a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, per source. Atlanta has said Desmond Ridder is the starter, and that's top-end backup money. https://t.co/6OctczWRPj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023

From @GMFB: The #Falcons are expected to sign former #Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke, as a Georgia native heads home. pic.twitter.com/gjl9fytxbJ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

The 29-year-old Heinicke spent the last three seasons with Washington, starting nine games last season and leading them to a 5-3-1 record while throwing for 1,859 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Heinicke is known for his willingness to scramble and his weaker arm and accuracy as compared to other NFL quarterbacks.

While Heinicke may not be the ideal starter for the Falcons, he could easily win the starting job if he performs well in competition against the inexperienced Desmond Ridder.

Heinicke started 24 games for Washington over the past two years, throwing 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Ideally, Heinicke, entering his age-30 season, would function as a backup in the Falcons' run-first offense.

The Falcons offer an opportunity for Heinicke to compete for a starting job and return to his hometown of Atlanta, where he began his NFL career with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Taylor Heinicke will go down as one of the coolest guys we got to cover. Happy that he gets to go home to play in Georgia and happy that he’s getting paid handsomely to do so. Someone let the pylons in Atlanta know to keep their heads on a swivel pic.twitter.com/zpp271DVBy

— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) March 14, 2023

After stints with the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots, Heinicke joined Washington in 2020 as an emergency COVID QB before starting their only playoff game during the Ron Rivera era.

Despite Washington's effots to bring him back, they were unable to work out a deal to sign him, leading to his move to the Falcons, who are in desperate need of QB help.

Heinicke is entering his sixth NFL season. Photo Credit:  Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports