The Washington Commanders have long turned to another direction in the quarterback room, yet one former fan favorite officially hung up his cleats on Thursday
One fan favorite and former Washington quarterback has officially hung up his cleats after announcing the end of his NFL career on Thursday afternoon.
Taylor Heinicke is hanging up the cleats after seven seasons in the NFL.
The Georgia native and Old Dominion graduate began his career with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent before appearing in one game during the 2017 season. He then showed signs of being a capable NFL quarterback after signing with the Carolina Panthers and playing in six games during the 2018 season, tossing three interceptions, one touchdown and 320 yards .
Heincke then arrived in Washington during the 2020 COVID season where he went 12-of-19 with one touchdown in the regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers. He then started in Washington's playoff appearance when Tampa Bay won, 31-23, after Heincke finished 26-of-44 for 306 yards and two total touchdowns, including his iconic full extension touchdown that hit the pylon.
After signing a two year, $4.75 million extension the following offseason, Heincke went on to appear in all 16 games during the 2021 season where he threw for over 3,400 yards and 20 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. He then transitioned into a backup role in 2022 after the team acquired Carson Wentz, though Heincke became the starting quarterback once again where he appeared in nine games and threw for nearly 1,900 yards while tossing 12 touchdowns to six interceptions.
That would mark the end of Heincke's time in DC after heading home and signing with the Atlanta Falcons during free agency, inking a two year, $14 million contract and stepping into a backup role following a quarterback battle. He appeared in just five games, throwing for nearly 900 yards and five touchdowns to four interceptions during the 2023 season.
Washington, meanwhile, would turn to Sam Howell after the Heincke era ended where the former North Carolina quarterback started in all 17 games during the 2023 season, marking the final year before the franchise added its difference maker in Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As for Heincke, his final appearance in the NFL materialized ahead of the 2024 season after appearing in four games backing up Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers, tossing 28 yards on just 3-of-5 passing.
Heincke signed a one year extension ahead of the 2025 season, ending his NFL career as an unrestricted free agent.