Making the case for Taylor Heinicke as the Seahawks QB of the future

How does Heinicke fit with the Seahawks?

When assessing Taylor Heinicke’s play and style, it’s hard not to see some similar resemblances to Baker Mayfield. Both QBs are slightly below average in height, slightly above average in scrambling and mobility. They both can make all the throws across the field, but they need to be in the perfect environment to succeed.

In my personal opinion, Baker Mayfield will likely fail in Carolina because that is not a good environment for him. I thought Seattle was a perfect fit, so why not get a guy that can be Mayfield, pay him 20% of Mayfield’s salary, and have half the drama?

Heinicke showed incredible poise and pocket presence against a top-tier Tampa Bay pass rush in the 2021 Wildcard game. Down eight in the second half and facing a crucial 3rd and 5 from the eight-yard line, Heinicke scrambled and eventually ran in for the touchdown from about 20 yards out. It was a play Seahawks from four or five years ago would find magical and familiar.

This mobility enhances the Shane Waldron play-action game, allowing Seattle to be better equipped to move the chains. As for his targets in Washington, can you name a single weapon outside of Terry McLaurin? I didn’t think so. With all due respect to Scary Terry, who I’m a big fan of, I think I’m taking both Lockett and Metcalf this season over McLaurin. The weapons in Seattle are a work in progress overall, but noticeably better than in D.C.

His style of play is also similar to that of Gardner Minshew, although I think Heinicke has a stronger arm over the middle. I think going into 2023, Minshew may get 7-10 million dollars a year more than Heinicke. They should be very similar, if not more to Heinicke.