When the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with Kirk Cousins this offseason, it sent a ripple through the NFC. Quickly signing with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins' departure created room for the purple and gold to get younger at quarterback while another team gained a battle-tested veteran.
Minnesota is preparing to move into the 2024 with a combination of Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy at quarterback while the Falcons will have Cousins at the helm with rookie Michael Penix as their future signal caller.
Only mentioning those four players is doing a disservice to other quarterbacks on those two rosters. Last season, other players from the Vikings and Falcons started, including returning quarterbacks like Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Taylor Heinicke, and Logan Westside.
Former Vikings QB sees ‘writing on the wall’ behind Kirk Cousins in Atlanta
Minnesota Vikings fans may remember Taylor Heinicke's time with the purple and gold. The Georgia native attended Old Dominion and was an undrafted free agent of the Vikings in 2015 but was waived with an injury designation in 2017.
Since then, Heinicke has made the rounds in the NFL, spending time with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Battlehawks, and Washington Football Team before landing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.
With the Falcons focused on prized free agent signing Kirk Cousins and No. 8 overall draft pick Michael Penix Jr., Heinicke could be the odd man out in Atlanta. Although he could secure a job as QB3, it is unlikely he will see any meaningful playing time for the Falcons this year.
Recently, Heinicke spoke after team practice with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and D. Orlando Ledbetter shared an interesting statement on the AJC website.
" “It’s nothing that I haven’t been through before. So, I accept my role in any case. My role, for me, and what I think is to help Kirk any way that I can. If he has any questions. Same thing with Mike. Sometimes the game is fast. Sometimes everything is fast for rookies.”"
- Taylor Heinicke via AJC
Taylor Heinicke is no stranger to taking a backseat in unfavorable situations. However, the 31-year-old quarterback has also been known to make the most of his opportunities when he does see action on the field.
"“I went through this in Minnesota. I went through this in Carolina. It’s one of things where I can’t control it. Only thing I can control is how I am as a teammate and as person.”"
- Taylor Heinicke via AJC
If Taylor Heinicke does not make the 53-man roster of the Atlanta Falcons this season, he will likely be a high priority signing for a team looking for a quality backup quarterback. The former Minnesota Vikings passer will be interesting to watch leading up to the 2024 NFL season.
