The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke is signing a two-year deal with a maximum value of $20 million with Atlanta, according to NFL Network. The deal will be closer to $7 million per season, according to The Athletic's Ben Standig and $6.32 million guaranteed, according to the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala.
He will serve as the primary backup to Desmond Ridder, the 23-year-old third-round pick who started four games for the Falcons in his rookie year last season.
"Wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU to Washington!" Heinicke wrote on his Instagram. "The love and support has been unmatched the last couple years. The memories I’ll cherish forever. You gave me a second chance and it’s forever changed my life."
Heinicke, who turns 30 on Wednesday, completed 64 percent of his passes for 5,415 yards, 33 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 24 starts with Washington. He had a record of 12-11-1. He also went 0-1 in the playoffs, throwing for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception — with one rushing touchdown — against Tampa Bay in Jan. 2021.
Heinicke also rushed for 431 yards and two touchdowns while in Washington.