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The Washington football team has locked up a quarterback who could end up starting some games in 2021. Washington on Wednesday announced it had signed Taylor Heinicke for a two-year extension. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the new deal is worth $ 8.75 million and includes incentives for the number of games launched.
Heinicke started a game in 2020, but his performance in that game is a big reason he got a new contract this offseason. With Alex Smith knocked out heading into Super Wild Card weekend, it was Heinicke who took the field against eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Heinicke completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Bucs, and also led Washington to the rush with 46 yards and one touchdown in six carries.
As Washington suffered a 31-23 loss, Heinicke was truly the player of the game. At the end of the third quarter, he led a seven-game, 61-yard practice that was capped with an incredible 8-yard rush for a touchdown that reduced the deficit to two points.
The former undrafted free agent from Old Dominion has had stints with two different NFL teams but forged a relationship with head coach Ron Rivera. It was Rivera who gave Heinicke his first career start with the Carolina Panthers, and a big reason Heinicke told reporters he wanted to stay in Washington.
“I love Ron,” Heinicke told reporters, via JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. “I want to be back in Washington.”
Rapoport Notes that while Washington has now locked Heinicke, they haven’t necessarily finished adding to the quarterback position. Last week, Rivera and new general manager Martin Mayhew, as well as new executive vice president of football staff / players Marty Hurney, spoke about how they want to be “smart and aggressive” in the way they approach future quarterback this offseason. While Heinicke may not be seen as the future under center, Washington has now locked up someone who has shown potential and has quickly become a fan favorite.
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