Heinicke originally signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Falcons in March 2023. Upon signing, he was immediately named Desmond Ridder’s backup for the season. Late in the season, Heinicke took over as the starting quarterback, making four starts and appearing in five games. In those five games, Heinicke completed 74 of 136 passes for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The journeyman’s place on the Falcons’ roster became a question during the 2024 offseason, when the Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins in free agency and Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a clear QB1 and QB2 on Atlanta’s roster, Heinicke got the vast majority of the reps in preseason games. In those three games, he had a 45% completion rate.
Atlanta was the sixth NFL organization Heinicke had been a part of since joining the league as an undrafted free agent in 2015. His most notable career moment came with the Washington Commanders in a Wild Card game against the Buccaneers in 2020, the only playoff outing he has played in. Heinicke replaced an injured Alex Smith at quarterback and threw for 306 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 31–23 loss.
Heinicke is a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and a graduate of Collins Hill High School. He was named to the Falcons’ initial 53-man roster that was unveiled Tuesday night. According to OverTheCap.com, with a trade after June 1, the Falcons would have $3.32 million in salary cap space while saving $1.21 million in salary cap space.
