Falcons hold on to potential trade chip with surprising QB decision

The Falcons might be playing chess with one roster cut-down day move.

On Tuesday, Atlanta and the NFL's 31 other teams had to carve their rosters down to 53 players.

Falcons backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who saw "the writing on the wall" regarding his tenure with the organization a month ago, surprisingly made the roster.

Heinicke's roster spot came at the expense of preseason standouts, including wide receiver Chris Blair and cornerback Kevin King, who could provide more meaningful contributions to a playoff contender like the Falcons.

Blair had eight receptions for 154 yards, tied for fourth-most in the preseason.

Among players with at least 40 coverage snaps, King received Pro Football Focus' eight-best grade .

The cut-day transactions leave the Falcons with five wide receivers and five cornerbacks, suggesting the team's roster isn't set.

With starting quarterback Kirk Cousins ready to go in Week 1 and rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. penned in as his backup, Heinicke doesn't have a viable path to playing time in Atlanta.

He's likely more valuable to the Falcons as a trade chip for quarterback-needy teams.

One possible team is the Vikings, where he began his career in 2015 as an undrafted free agent. He never attempted a pass for Minnesota, but the team could have a need for a backup to Sam Darnold.

Heinicke has developed into a serviceable backup. He started 24 games for the Commanders from 2021-22, completing 63.8% of his attempts and averaging 214.8 yards per game.

If the Falcons can turn his expiring contract into a draft pick, they should keep him until a deal grabs their attention.

It's the only way holding on to Heinicke makes sense.