The Falcons may be playing a strategic game with their roster moves on cut-down day.
On Tuesday, Atlanta and the other 31 NFL teams were required to reduce their rosters to 53 players.
Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who had anticipated his departure from the team a month ago, surprisingly secured a spot on the roster.
Despite Heinicke’s prediction of his exit, he remains on the Falcons’ initial 53-man roster, according to Mike Garafolo.
Heinicke’s inclusion came at the expense of standout preseason performers like wide receiver Chris Blair and cornerback Kevin King, who could have made significant contributions to a playoff-caliber team like the Falcons.
Blair accumulated eight receptions for 154 yards during the preseason, ranking fourth overall in receiving yards. King, meanwhile, earned the eighth-best grade from Pro Football Focus among players with at least 40 coverage snaps.
The Falcons’ final roster, with five wide receivers and five cornerbacks, suggests that the team’s lineup may still be subject to change.
With starting quarterback Kirk Cousins set for Week 1 and rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. slated as his backup, Taylor Heinicke faces limited chances for playing time in Atlanta.
Given his situation, Heinicke might be more valuable as a trade asset for teams in need of a quarterback.
The Vikings, where Heinicke began his career as an undrafted free agent in 2015, could be a potential destination. Although he never played a game for Minnesota, the team might be in the market for a backup to Sam Darnold.
Heinicke has proven himself as a reliable backup, starting 24 games for the Commanders between 2021 and 2022. During that time, he completed 63.8% of his passes and averaged 214.8 yards per game.
If the Falcons can trade Heinicke for a draft pick while his contract is still active, they should consider holding onto him until a compelling offer comes their way. Keeping Heinicke only makes sense if it results in a beneficial trade.