The Atlanta Falcons have made significant changes to their quarterback lineup, bidding farewell to two members from last season. Desmond Ridder has been traded to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Rondale Moore, while Taylor Heinicke’s contract has been restructured, allowing him to stay with the team. Meanwhile, Logan Woodside, who was a free agent, has found a new home with the Bengals.
Cincinnati also added Jake Browning, providing them with both a backup quarterback and an emergency option on the same day. This move is consistent with the franchise’s strategy of avoiding the presence of a threatening competitor behind Joe Burrow.
For Atlanta, parting ways with Woodside was expected, as he had ties to Arthur Smith from their time together at the Titans. While Woodside served as the emergency quarterback behind Ridder and Heinicke, the Falcons are now seeking to draft a quarterback to develop as a potential future starter behind Kirk Cousins and Heinicke. Therefore, there was no longer a suitable role for Woodside in Atlanta. With the Bengals, he is likely to assume the emergency role once again, backing up Browning and Burrow.
Given Burrow’s injury history and the Bengals’ high expectations, the quarterback position could see significant action, especially considering their consistent playoff aspirations.
Originally drafted by the Bengals in the 7th round of the 2018 draft, Woodside has had stints with the Titans and the Falcons before rejoining his original team. His return to the Bengals aims to secure the third quarterback position in what has been a modest yet notable career for the quarterback with limited opportunities.
