It took less than two games to transform quarterback Taylor Heinicke from a boy whose NFL career appeared to sign a several-year contract.
The Washington football team announced Wednesday that he signed Heinicke for a two-year deal, worth up to $ 8.75 million, a source confirmed. Heinicke would have been a restricted free agent, but Washington had made it clear he wanted to keep him based on how the season ended.
Washington still has Alex Smith hired for two more years, though his future here is uncertain. Kyle Allen is an exclusive royalty-free agent that coaches like. The team also features Steven Montez, an unrecruited free agent last season.
Heinicke’s samples put him in the conversation at least as the main backup and provide depth, if nothing else.
Heinicke was taking math classes at Old Dominion University, where he played collegiate, when Washington signed him to his training squad on December 8th. He was put on the active roster later that month and relieved an ineffective Dwayne Haskins in a Week 16 loss to Carolina. In two sets, he led a touchdown and canceled out another penalty shootout.
With Smith battling a bone contusion, Heinicke started the Washington playoff game against Tampa Bay and was effective. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also showed his mobility, fighting for an 8-yard touchdown run that ended with him diving down the pylon.
Heinicke signed with Minnesota as an unwritten free agent in 2015, playing for current Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner. He was the only NFL coach to visit Heinicke before the draft. After two seasons with Minnesota, he spent time in training in New England and then Houston. He then signed with Carolina, coached by current Washington coach Ron Rivera.
Heinicke played six games with Carolina, starting one. In his lone game, he completed 33 of 53 passes for 274 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He suffered an elbow injury that caused him to fall into the injured reserve.
The NFL network first reported money on Heinicke’s contract.