Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Kyle Allen

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.

Monday, March 25, 4:46 PM

Free-agent quarterback Kyle Allen signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Allen, a six-year NFL veteran, has thrown for 4,734 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions through his first 30 NFL games with the Commanders, Panthers, Texans, and Bills. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields now on the roster, Allen is likely competing to be the team's emergency quarterback and scout team signal-caller. The Steelers carried three quarterbacks on the roster last season, so he has a path to sticking around beyond the offseason and training camp. However, he can be safely ignored in fantasy football, regardless of format.