Who Should I Start? Tyrod Taylor or Taylor Heinicke

Tuesday, March 12, 12:20 AM

The New York Jets agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with free-agent quarterback Tyrod Taylor on Monday, according to sources. The journeyman quarterback will remain in New York after spending the last two seasons with the Giants. Taylor was forced to play in 11 games (five starts) for the G-Men last year due to injuries to Daniel Jones (knee), and he completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,341 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in those contests behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. With the Jets expected to trade Zach Wilson this offseason, Taylor could operate as Aaron Rodgers' primary backup in 2024. The 34-year-old won't save the Jets' offense if Rodgers gets hurt again next year, but he gives the team some veteran experience at the position after playing in 92 games (58 starts) in his 13 seasons in the NFL with six different teams.

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.