Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Falcons pay for backup

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Tue, Mar 14 2023 12:36 PM UTC
        Taylor Heinicke Headshot

        The Falcons have agreed to a two-year deal with QB Taylor Heinicke that could pay as much as $20 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. That likely means Heinicke will get significant salary escalators if he winds up starting a bunch of games. More importantly, though, this might be the clearest signal that Atlanta expects to have QB Desmond Ridder starting Week 1 of 2023. The Falcons now have two QBs with NFL starting experience rostered, still more than a month ahead of the NFL Draft. We doubt this excludes the franchise from taking a QB in Round 1 of the draft, if the Falcons like a guy who gets to them. But don't bet on them angling to move up for any QB prospect. Ridder obviously has plenty to prove after just four rookie-year starts. And Heinicke looks like a two-year insurance policy. But Ridder has also been going plenty late enough in best ball ADP so far to be worth selecting as a QB3.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
        Fantasy Football Sleepers 2025: Sneaky Good, Stupid Cheap

        Fantasy Football Sleepers 2025: Sneaky Good, Stupid Cheap

        5:37pm UTC 7/11/25

        Winning your league rarely comes down to your first few picks. It’s the overlooked breakouts and late-round fliers that turn a good roster into a juggernaut. Here are 14 sleepers ready to tilt your draft in 2025.

        Read More »
        Best Ball Draft Strategy

        Best Ball Draft Strategy

        2:36pm UTC 7/10/25

        You don’t win best ball leagues by playing it safe. You win by stacking wisely, chasing upside, and pouncing on value before the rest of your draft room sees it. This guide breaks down the tactics you need to build a roster that blows past the field.

        Read More »
        Is THIS the Year to Stop Drafting Kyren Williams?

        Is THIS the Year to Stop Drafting Kyren Williams?

        3:11am UTC 7/10/25

        The Rams are talking committee after drafting yet another RB. Should you believe them ... or buy Kyren Williams at a discount? And does Davante Adams mean trouble for Puka Nacua? Let's break it all down.

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »
        THE 2025 ROOKIE GUIDE (V3) IS UPDATED POST-DRAFT!
        80 Prospects • Mock Drafts • Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics & More