4 Commanders players Eric Bieniemy might want to let go in 2023

Taylor Heinicke – Commanders QB

Taylor Heinicke was on our recent list of Washington Commanders players Eric Bieniemy could keep around. However, there is a clear flipside to this coin that must also be discussed.

Reading the tea leaves, it appears Sam Howell is in pole position to assume responsibilities under center for the Commanders in 2023. An opportunity that was further enhanced by the arrival of Bieneimy, who was instrumental in Patrick Mahomes’ early development and rise to superstardom.

With that being said, the Commanders need a viable backup in case Howell cannot meet growing expectations. And there’s no doubt Heinicke’s proven his worth as a serviceable asset that can fill in at any time without losing much momentum.

Couple this with his familiarity in the locker room, and keeping Heinicke around on a short-term deal cannot be dismissed. Even if Bieniemy could take this opportunity for a reset behind Howell with Carson Wentz’s impending release after just one season with the franchise.

This decision could go either way, in all honesty. Bieniemy will lean on other coaches and study Heinicke’s production thoroughly before forming his own opinion, but the signal-caller should attract interest on the free-agent market if both sides go their separate ways.