Taylor Heinicke, QB (ATL)

Prepping for backup role

Heinicke said his goal is to be "the best backup I can" behind fellow Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. "They drafted [Ridder] high for a reason," Heinicke added Thursday afternoon.

The catch is that Atlanta didn't draft Ridder all that early (74th overall), while Heinicke's two-year, $14 million contract ($6.32 million guaranteed) makes him one of the better-compensated backups in the league. The team was clear with Heinicke about Ridder being the starter, which figures to carry into Week 1, but that doesn't necessarily mean the second-year pro will have a lot of leeway if he struggles once the season starts. Heinicke's stats from Washington -- 64.0 completion rate, 7.0 YPA, 33:21 TD:INT, 12-11-1 record -- give him a strong argument to be viewed among the two or three best backup quarterbacks in the league.

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More Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football News

Mack Hollins

Mack Hollins

WR | ATL

Lands in Atlanta

Hollins agreed to a one-year deal with the Falcons on Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder

QB | ATL

Still viewed as Falcons' starter

Despite the Falcons' reported signing of Taylor Heinicke, Ridder is still expected to enter training camp as the starting quarterback, ESPN's Michael Rothstein reports.

Jessie Bates III

Jessie Bates III

DB | ATL

Headed to Atlanta

Bates is in line to sign with the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jonnu Smith

Jonnu Smith

TE | ATL

Headed to Falcons

The Patriots are slated to trade Smith to the Falcons in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts

TE | ATL

Rehab progressing on schedule

Falcons tight end coach Justin Peele said Monday that Pitts (knee) is "on schedule" in his recovery, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Younghoe Koo

Younghoe Koo

K | ATL

Perfect in Week 18 win

Koo went 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts and 3-for-3 on point-after tries during Sunday's 30-17 win versus the Buccaneers.