The Falcons will be getting another quarterback, and he’ll be making a lot more than their current starter.
Per a source with knowledge of the terms, veteran Taylor Heinicke will sign a two-year contract that will pay him up to $20 million dollars, based on incentives.
The former Commander gets $4 million to sign, along with a $1 million roster bonus due on March 20. He also receives a guaranteed base salary of $1.32 million in 2023, and up to $680,000 in per-game roster bonuses.
For 2024, the contract has a base salary of $5 million, a $1.32 million roster bonus due on the fifth day of the 2024 league year, and up to $680,000 in per-game roster bonuses.
The deal also includes up to $3 million per year in incentives, based on playing time, playoff appearances, and games started.
If Heinicke hits all incentives, he’ll make $20 million.
In contrast, starter Desmond Ridder is in the second season of a four-year, $5.36 million deal. This year, he’ll make only $948,000.
Still, the move is being viewed as an endorsement of Ridder as the starter for the next two years, with Heinicke as the veteran insurance policy. Ridder’s contract is simply a product of where he was drafted. If he performs well, he’ll be eligible for a second contract after the 2024 regular season.