5 quarterbacks Detroit Lions should target in free agency to backup Jared Goff

2. Taylor Heinicke

Washington tried to replace Heinicke with Carson Wentz last offseason, and that went about as expected for those who have never felt Wentz is that good a quarterback. Heinicke wound up starting nine games around Wentz’s missed time due to an injury, before Sam Howell started Week 18.

The Commanders haven’t shut the door on re-signing Heinicke, however expected that sentiment is without fully knowing all their options. But as things stand right now, failing a bolder move this offseason, they’re preparing to have second-year man Howell as their starting quarterback next season.

Heinicke also may not want to come back to Washington, as long as he finds a market for his services elsewhere. In a broad sense, he shouldn’t have much trouble finding a new team. And failing being a starter, which is unlikely to happen as he enters free agency, he openly acknowledged how nice a gig being a backup quarterback can be.

If he’s thrust into the starting job, Heinicke is the kind of quarterback a team will always be trying to replace with a better option. His career highlight may always be playing well against Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champion Buccaneers in a Wild Card Game.

But as options to backup Jared Goff go, the Lions should have Heinicke prominently on their radar.