Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or David Blough

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.

Saturday, August 26, 10:18 PM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback David Blough rallied the team to an 18-17 comeback victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday. Blough completed 11-for-22 pass attempts with 93 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another score. While under pressure and with eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Blough started the come-from-behind victory by heaving a long TD pass to Davion Davis. With Kyler Murray out for the foreseeable future, the Cardinals are looking for someone to step up at quarterback. A win like this could put Blough in a position to be the team's starter for their upcoming Week 1 matchup vs. the Washington Commanders.