Free agent QB Taylor Heinicke would ‘love’ to play for Packers

Even if he has to be the backup, free agent QB Taylor Heinicke would love to play for the Packers.

If the Green Bay Packers end up needing a veteran quarterback this offseason, free agent Taylor Heinicke said he would love to play for his favorite childhood team.

“Obviously, I would love to go to the Packers,” Heinicke said Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “That’s been a childhood dream of mine, to play for the Packers.

Heinicke, 29, is set to explore his options in free agency after Washington announced this week that Sam Howell will be the starter in 2023.

There are several quarterback-needy teams right now, and Green Bay could be one of them if Aaron Rodgers retires or is traded.

If Rodgers gets back from his 4-day darkness retreat and decides he doesn’t want to return in 2023 or gets traded to another team looking to go all-in, the Packers will likely want a veteran backing up Jordan Love.

Of course, Heinicke would prefer to be the starter, but he doesn’t mind being a backup if the right opportunity isn’t available.

“Obviously, I want to play – I want to start,” he said. “If that opportunity doesn’t come up, being a backup quarterback in the NFL is probably one of the best jobs in America.”

Last year, Heinicke went 5-3-1 as a starter filling in for an injured Carson Wentz and led the Commanders to a 23-21 win over Green Bay in Week 7.

In five NFL seasons, Heinickie has thrown for 5,745 yards, 34 touchdowns and 24 interceptions with a 63.9 completion percentage.

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