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It took less than two games to transform quarterback Taylor Heinicke from a guy whose NFL career seemed over to sign a multi-year contract.
The Washington football team announced on Wednesday that it had renewed Heinicke on a two-year contract, 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 he finished the season.
Washington still has Alex Smith under contract for two more years, although his future with the team remains uncertain. Kyle Allen is an exclusive rights free agent that coaches love. The team also has Steven Montez, a free agent not drafted last season.
Heinicke’s presentation put him in the conversation to at least be a main backup and provide depth, if nothing else.
Heinicke was taking math classes at Old Dominion University, where he played college, when Washington recruited him to their practice squad on December 8. . In two series, he led a touchdown and had another draw canceled by a penalty.
With Smith battling a bone bruise, Heinicke started Washington’s playoff game against Tampa Bay and was efficient. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also showed his mobility, rushing for an 8-yard touchdown run that ended with a dive for the pylon.
Heinicke signed with Minnesota as an undrafted 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 on training teams in New England and then Houston. He then signed with Carolina, coached by current Washington coach Ron Rivera.
Heinicke has played six games for Carolina, starting 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 put him in reserve.
The NFL Network first reported the money on Heinicke’s contract.
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