Who Should I Start? Jameis Winston or Taylor Heinicke

Tuesday, March 12, 11:13 AM

Free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston is joining the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $8.7 million deal, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz. Winston has spent the last four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, racking up 20 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 21 games (10 starts). The former No. 1 overall pick passed for at least 20 touchdowns in three of his five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but 88 interceptions over that span ultimately lost him his starting gig. He will likely begin the 2024 season as Deshaun Watson's (shoulder) backup, but there is a path to playing time considering Watson's struggles and injury issues since becoming a Brown in 2022. He should be rostered in deep Superflex and two-QB leagues next year.

Tuesday, April 2, 2:21 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke took a pay cut recently from an expected $5 million base salary in 2024 to $1.21 million, according to Roster Management System. His $1.32 million roster bonus, which was due just after the league year began last month, was instead classified as a signing bonus. His $40,000 per game active roster bonus was also removed from his contract. The reduction in his deal lowers Heinicke's salary cap number from $8.96 million to $4.53 million, including a cash value of $2.53 million. If Atlanta were to release him, he would cost $3.32 million in dead money with only a cap savings of $1.21 million. The 31-year-old got a chance to start in 2023 when Desmond Ridder was benched, but Heinicke did nothing to separate himself and also got hurt. He'll enter 2024 as the backup to starter Kirk Cousins.