Washington Football Team gives Taylor Heinicke two-year extension

There will be underlying uncertainty at the quarterback position throughout the offseason for the Washington Football Team. But there are measures they can take to thin the fog.

Much of the team’s long-term questions won’t be answered until they find a bonafide franchise quarterback to lead them forward. But until then, the Washington Football Team has a number of serviceable options to keep the squad afloat. Alex Smith remains a valuable mentor presence in spite of his contract questions, and Kyle Allen is on track to recovery well ahead of the 2021 season.

Even beyond that, however, there’s a name that deserves mentioning: Taylor Heinicke. Just a few months ago, Heinicke was a student at Old Dominion University, studying for finals. But when Smith’s status was thrown into question, and when Dwayne Haskins proved finished, Washington called Heinicke, a former Panther under Ron Rivera, to provide security at the quarterback position.

As most Washington fans know, Heinicke provided much more than the baseline servitude expected from a backup off the street. In relief of Haskins against the Carolina Panthers, Heinicke played very well, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 137 yards and a score in less than two quarters.

Heinicke’s showing against Carolina gave him some confidence, but he blew that out of the water with his performance in the playoffs against Tampa Bay. Starting in his first-ever playoff game, Heinicke was one of the sole reasons that Washington competed against the eventual Super Bowl champions. He completed 26 of 44 attempts for 306 yards, a touchdown, and a pick, and he also ran for an electric score on the ground.

Washington wound up losing that game, but Heinicke won. He reaffirmed his status as a legitimate quarterback option and proved that his performance against Carolina was no fluke. And today, the Washington Football Team officially rewarded Heinicke for his performance. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Washington Football Team gave Heinicke a two-year extension worth $8.75 million, with additional incentives included.

The value appears sensible for Heinicke, a 28-year old career journeyman, but it could become a bargain if Heinicke again has to see additional playing time in the coming years. While Heinicke’s lack of arm talent was present in his game action in 2020, so too was his grit, mobility, competitive fire, and solid processing speed.

Heinicke’s contract value seems to drive home the fact that the team views him as a backup for now. But no matter what happens with the team’s quarterback situation beyond this point, Washington can feel comfortable knowing that Heinicke will provide an excellent safety blanket for at least the next two seasons.

Heinicke proved he could provide respectable play on a moment’s notice, and that’s most important duty for a second-string signal caller to uphold. Having done the job, he’s now getting his share.