10 backup options for Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos in 2023

2. Taylor Heinicke (free agent, Commanders)

When you talk about the potential of backup quarterbacks, few options are as enticing as former Commanders starter Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke's NFL journey this far has been as a journeyman, but he has settled in the last couple of years as a high-quality backup and somewhat high-floor starting quarterback.

He helped the Commanders in 2021 when they made the postseason and gave Tom Brady and the Bucs all they could handle. He brought them back into the playoff race this past year after Carson Wentz went down with an injury. He has one of the best overall shoe games in the NFL. Okay, maybe that only matters to me.

The fact of the matter is, we saw a clear uptick in production from the Commanders' receivers when Heinicke was in the lineup. He's done well with Scott Turner coaching him basically since he came into the league, which just so happens to have been with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2015. The Vikings had Heinicke from 2015-17 before he started really bouncing around the league with New England, Houston, and Carolina.

His biggest opportunity came in Washington where he completed 64 percent of his passes in two seasons with 32 touchdowns, 21 interceptions (over 25 games) as well as 409 rushing yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Given his history with the Vikings, there's a connection in Denver to general manager George Paton. I could see Sean Payton loving Heinicke's game overall given the fact that he has tremendous athleticism at the position and could be a truly perfect backup option to Russell Wilson.

Teams would be wise to pick up Heinicke as a bridge starter this year but if he signs somewhere as a backup, Denver would be a great spot.