It took less than two games to turn quarterback Taylor Heinicke into a guy whose NFL career spanned several years.
The Washington football team announced on Wednesday that it has re-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 that he wanted to keep him based on how he finished the season.
Washington still has Alex Smith under contract for another two years, although his future with the team remains uncertain. Kyle Allen is an exclusive rights agent that coaches love. The team also has Steven Montez, an unprocessed free agent last season.
Heinicke’s presentations put him in the conversation to be at least a main reserve and to offer depth, if nothing else.
Heinicke took math classes at Old Dominion University, where he played college, when Washington enrolled him in the Dec. 8 training team. He was placed on the active roster later that month and spared an ineffective Dwayne Haskins in a 16-week Carolina loss to Carolina. . In two sets, he led a touchdown shot and had another throw-in canceled out by a penalty.
With Smith battling a bruised bone, 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 landing race that ended with him sinking for the pylon.
Heinicke signed with Minnesota as a free agent in 2015, playing for the current coordinator of the Washington offensive, Scott Turner. He was the only NFL coach to visit Heinicke before the draft. After two seasons with Minnesota, he spent time on the New England and then Houston training teams. He then signed with Carolina, coached by current Washington coach Ron Rivera.
Heinicke played six games with Carolina, starting with one. In his lone start, he completed 33-of-53 passes for 274 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He suffered an elbow injury that drew him to the injured reserve.
The NFL Network first reported the money on the Heinicke contract.