It was a difficult season for former Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz. If being on his third team in three seasons wasn’t enough, Wentz suffered a fractured finger and missed over two months before a late-season return that ended disastrously in a playoff-clinching loss.
While Wentz was sidelined, backup Taylor Heinicke returned to the starting lineup and finished with a winning record. While Heinicke’s stats weren’t going to wow anyone, his competitive nature, knowledge of the offense and leadership put the Commanders in an excellent position to make the playoffs until he began to struggle.
After playing well in the first half of a Week 16 loss to the 49ers, head coach Ron Rivera benched Heinicke and went back to Wentz, who was now fully healthy. Washington lost badly that day, but it wasn’t Heinicke’s fault. He had played pretty well.
Ultimately, Rivera turned back to Heinicke for the Week 18 finale, who told his head coach that rookie Sam Howell deserved to start the game.
Now, Heinicke is a free agent, and Wentz was released on Monday.
After his release, Wentz took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the opportunities he’s received.
Heinicke saw the post, liked it and responded, “Love ya brother.”
It’s not often that two quarterbacks who played together and replaced one another can be friends. That’s not the case with Heinicke and Wentz. Both players spent all season praising the other — and Howell. The Commanders had a tight quarterback room because of the character of the players involved.
Wentz and his wife even hosted teammates for a Thanksgiving dinner, which Heinicke attended.
Wentz’s NFL future is uncertain. Will he be content being a backup? Is he even the backup type?
Meanwhile, Heinicke should have a strong market, which could also include a return to Washington.
Wentz and Heinicke only played one season together, but it sounds like a solid friendship was formed during that time.
