Taylor Heinicke agrees to two-year deal with Falcons

The Taylor Heinicke era in Washington is over. According to the NFL Network, the underdog quarterback that captivated Washington fans has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons have pegged Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback. There is a chance the team may select a QB in the first round of next month’s NFL Draft. The possible $10 million per year is top-end for a backup quarterback. Heinicke has displayed his ability to step in as a starter and win games.

In 2021, Heinicke started 15 games for the Commanders after Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a season-ending hip injury in Week 1. Last season, he started nine games following a Week 6 finger injury to Carson Wentz. The Commanders went 5-3-1 with Heinicke as the starter.

Washington played its way into the playoff picture. However, head coach Ron Rivera opted to start a healthy Wentz in Week 17, resulting in a loss to the Cleveland Browns and eliminating the Commanders from playoff contention. Wentz threw three interceptions in that game. Rivera was criticized for the decision not to start Heinicke, even by Browns players.

Heinicke threw for 1,859 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2022. He had a 44.5 QBR.

Taylor Heinicke emerged on the scene in 2020. Washington signed him in December to be the team’s quarantine quarterback. However, an injury to Alex Smith and poor play by the late Dwayne Haskins led to Heinicke getting snaps at the end of the regular season.

The Commanders won the NFC East division with a 7-9 record. Heinicke started Washington’s playoff game. Despite losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card round, Heinicke put on an inspiring performance, throwing for 306 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for 46 yards and a highlighted diving touchdown.

Heinicke is a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Lawrenceville is about 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. He was sleeping on his sister’s couch, taking online college courses, when the Commanders called him to join the team in 2020.

Heinicke went from fourth on the depth chart to starting 25 games for Washington over the last three years, including playoffs. He compiled a record of 12-12-1.

Heinicke earned $5.8 million during his time with the Commanders. He famously bought a pair of Jordans with his win bonuses in the colorway of the opponent he defeated.

Now, he joins the Falcons under head coach Arthur Smith. Smith is the son of former Commanders’ minority owner and FedEx CEO Fred Smith, who’s known for getting the most out of quarterbacks. Heinicke’s mobility and short-passing game fits Smith’s scheme.

The Falcons moved on from Marcus Mariota, and now Heinicke will be pegged with mentoring Ridder or an incoming rookie. Heinicke will also serve as a viable insurance policy who can start games and stabilize a team coming off the bench.