Washington Free Agency: Taylor Heinicke agrees to deal with the Atlanta Falcons

The Washington Commanders said they wanted to bring back QB Taylor Heinicke, but they weren't able to work out a deal to sign their former starter. Heinicke joined the Washington Football Team as an emergency COVID QB and ended up starting Washington's only playoff game during the Ron Rivera era. Heinicke has seen several QBs brought in who were supposed to start, only to watch them go down due to injury(and poor play).

Taylor Heinicke moves on from Washington after two plus years, and goes to his hometown team. Heinicke’s contract works out to basically a 1-year deal that will pay him at least $7 million this year. He is being brought in as the back up for Atlanta’s 3rd round QB pick last year, Desmond Ridder. Heinicke has more starting experience than a lot of backups, and is an excellent backup. Ridder only started 4 games last year, but will likely be given every opportunity to win the starting job.

Heinicke was a fan favorite in Washington, and that started with his heroics in the Bucs playoff game. He had plenty of memorable moments, and his teams have always played hard for him. His departure leaves a big void in Washington’s QB room, which is now only Sam Howell and Jake Fromm. Howell has been named the QB1 going into the offseason, but Washington is expected to add at least two QBs between now and the end of next month’s draft.