4 potential landing spots for Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke in 2023
By Dean Jones
Panthers could sign Taylor Henicke
The Washington Commanders-Carolina Panthers pipeline has been one-way traffic thanks to the presence of Ron Rivera. He’s turned to plenty of his former players and coaches since taking the job, which has come with mixed success heading into a fourth season of immense importance.
Taylor Heinicke is one such player after starting his NFL journey in Carolina. Opportunities were limited, but the Panthers could examine his credentials as a possible bridge with very little to provide optimism currently.
Just Matt Corral and Jacob Eason occupy positions on Carolina’s depth chart right now. That is likely to change in a big way once free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror.
If the Panthers get themselves a franchise prospect from the college ranks, they’ll need a capable veteran to provide short-term assistance and mentor any incoming rookie during their transition. Heinicke has the credentials to do both and is unlikely to cost the earth, which makes a return to Bank of America Stadium plausible.
Considering the all-star coaching staff put together by Frank Reich, there’s every chance Heinicke could also improve exponentially despite his 30th birthday taking place later this month. So this could be a mutually-beneficial arrangement all things considered.