The Washington Football Team opted to re-sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year, $8.75 million contract extension heading to the 2021 NFL season, via an official statement from the team.

The Washington Football Team playmaker was initially heading to the offseason as an unrestricted free agency before he inked the new deal. According to NFL‘s Ian Rapoport, the contract extension will reportedly include incentives for Heinicke throughout the coming season as well.

Despite the new agreement, Washington will reportedly continue on its search for a franchise quarterback. Heinicke will most likely serve as insurance in case they won't get their hands on a new playmaker to start the 2021 NFL season.

Washington Football Team banked on the production of veteran gunslinger Alex Smith after former QB1 Dwayne Haskins fell out of the rotation in the latter stages of the season. Smith notched a total of 1,582 passing yards on 168 passes completed along with six touchdowns in eight games played.

His production on the field eventually led him to be named as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year for the 2020 season. After a respectable campaign, Smith has yet to announce if he will continue to play in 2021.

Backup playmaker Kyle Allen also saw action under center and started four games for Washington. He recorded a total of 610 yards on 60 passes completed to go with four touchdowns. The undrafted gunslinger eventually went down with a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9 against the New York Giants and won't be under contract for the next season.

Meanwhile, Heinicke earned himself a contract after performing well in the team's Wild Card Round matchup against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started after Alex Smith was ruled out of the contest due to a calf injury.

Heinicke performed under the bright lights with tallies of 306 yards on 26-of-44 passes along with a touchdown for his team. Washington Football Team managed to pose a threat to the eventual Super Bowl champions but ran out of gas in the final frame to absorb a 31-23 defeat.

Taylor Heinicke isn't assured of the starting quarterback spot yet but the new contract definitely gives him a chance to remain in the league for the years to come.