4 Backups the Atlanta Falcons could sign to push Desmond Ridder

2. Taylor Heinicke

No one in the league does more with less talent than Taylor Heinick in his limited time in Washington as the starter. Every season Washington has tried to replace him and each year they end up turning the team back over to the backup.

Taylor is the ultimate undertalented overachiever using his legs to create space and showing fearlessness outside the pocket. We know Arthur Smith loves quarterbacks who can move, and Taylor has the ability to run Smith’s offense at a high level and push Desmond Ridder as a starter.

If he is unable to find a team willing to give him a starting job the backup role in Atlanta could be a great position. Heinicke has dealt with a lot of instability in Washington and could come into Atlanta with the ability to push Ridder and earn a shot if the second-year quarterback struggles.

The professional way he dealt with being benched in Washington each time pointed to the maturity and the great teammate Taylor is. It would be a solid fit for both sides and give Atlanta a player who isn’t afraid of the big moments. It was only two years ago that Taylor put pressure on Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champions in a playoff game.