Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke is entering this season with different expectations than a year ago. This season, there’s no doubt that he will be a backup after the team acquired Carson Wentz in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason.
The Commanders also picked up the full $28.2 million salary owed to Wentz. Heinicke started 16 games last year for Washington, but he understands the business side of the NFL. When asked if he could change the team’s mind about who starts, Heinicke had a perfect explanation.
“I don’t think that’s an option,” Heinicke said, per ESPN’s John Keim. “You’re paying someone 30 million and someone else 2 million. You’re paying this guy 30 million to play. I hope [Wentz] succeeds. My job is to back him up.”
After being signed by Washington in December 2020 off the streets, Heinicke emerged as a fan favorite. He started the team’s playoff loss in January 2021. While Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed last season, Heinicke’s popularity hovered over the quarterback situation.
That cloud was removed when Fitzpatrick suffered a season-ending hip injury in Week 1. Heinicke went on to start the remaining 16 games, as the Commanders finished the season 7-10.
His play was commendable, but it was clear to head coach Ron Rivera and the coaching staff, Washington needed an upgrade. There was a level of desperation to find a new quarterback. That urgency played a huge hand in the overall compensation the Commanders paid for Wentz, including the draft picks traded.
The Commanders have no choice but to hand the keys over to Wentz. That’s despite his struggles at times over the past two seasons while with the Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. Struggles that led to him being traded in back-to-back offseasons.
This upcoming season may be a pivotal one for Wentz and Coach Rivera. Rivera is entering his third season in Washington. The Commanders won seven games in each of his first two seasons. Commanders’ faithful have grown antsy with the Rivera regime.
This could be Wentz’s final opportunity to prove he can be a viable starting QB. Like Heinicke, all of Washington hopes Wentz succeeds.
