Taylor Heinicke Signs with Falcons: 3 Backup QB Options for Commanders

The Washington Commanders hope Sam Howell can prove to be the starting quarterback they believe he can be. 

But, the Commanders don't intend on simply handing over the keys to Howell and plan on bringing in some veteran competition this offseason. 

Up until Tuesday morning when it was announced quarterback Taylor Heinicke will be signing with the Atlanta Falcons, we thought he might return to be that competitor. 

Instead, Washington will now turn to another option, and here are three they could look into.

HOUSTON TEXANS QUARTERBACK DAVIS MILLS

With a new head coach, the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and with veteran Case Keenum returning to the Texans for his second stint with the team, the writing is on the wall that Mills' time with the franchise is up. 

Not just as the starting quarterback, but as a member of the roster completely. 

A former third-round pick and collegiate quarterback at Stanford under new Commanders' quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, Mills makes all the sense in the world to be targeted here. 

And it won't cost much in draft capital or cap space to make it happen, which is the cherry on top.

FREE AGENT QUARTERBACK JACOBY BRISSETT

If Washington wants to go the mentor route then Brissett could be the target for them. 

At 30 years of age, Brissett is expected to depart his fourth NFL team after throwing for over 2,600 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns last year. 

It's unlikely a competition between Howell and Brissett would be an honest one, but at the end of the day, the elder veteran could be a good mentor for the younger quarterback and has proven he can hold his own water if needed to spot start. 

His expected contract value of $5.4 million per year makes him an affordable option as well.

FREE AGENT QUARTERBACK DREW LOCK

The Commanders could opt to save draft capital yet still target a younger quarterback available on the open market. 

Lock was 4-1 in his rookie season with the Denver Broncos before finishing 8-13 as the starting quarterback there. 

Eventually, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in the deal that sent quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver, and now is an unrestricted free agent after one year with that team. 

Considering all he's been through it's surprising to learn Lock is still just 26 years old and can likely be signed for around the same amount as Brissett. 

Here, Washington would sacrifice Mills' familiarity with Pritchard to save the draft capital. 

With either option, Howell would see another young quarterback come in to compete, leaving the best man to win the job.