The Washington Commanders reacted quickly to losing backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke Wednesday by quickly agreeing to terms with Jacoby Brissett.
While Heinicke was beloved in Washington, Brissett is likely the better player. That’s not a knock on Heinicke because he has qualities other quarterbacks lack. Both quarterbacks are outstanding in the locker room; they can start for stretches and provide competition for rising second-year QB Sam Howell.
Since the season ended, the Commanders were always linked to three quarterbacks: Heinicke, Brissett and Andy Dalton. Dalton signed with the Panthers.
Brissett is an underrated player who has had success at each of his four stops. Since entering the NFL in 2016, Brissett has started a total of 48 games, making at least two starts for each of the four teams he’s played for.
How did fans and the NFL media react to Brissett’s signing?
Let’s take a look.
Grant Paulsen
I think Jacoby Brissett is an upgrade from Taylor Heinicke. He protects the football and is coming off a very solid season.
More importantly, there will be no Jacoby Brissett jerseys at FedEx Field in Week 1. He's the perfect backup.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 15, 2023
Jacoby Brissett in 2022
🏈 12th-rated QB via PFF. (Heinicke was 40th)
🏈 22 big time throws. (Heinicke, 9)
🏈 18 turnover worthy plays. (Heinicke, 19).
🏈 5th in NFL: 2.3 CPOE. (Wentz was -4.2)
🏈 17 dropped passes (Heincike, 3)— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 15, 2023
Rodger Sherman
Somewhere between 5 and 15 NFL teams are going to pay more money and get worse production at QB than Washington will get from Jacoby Brissett https://t.co/WlZrfr0fpl
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) March 15, 2023
Chris Russell
Well I think you know what my opinion of the Jacoby Brissett signing is! Well done, #Commanders 🐓🐓 https://t.co/dmBR3MFkiz
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) March 15, 2023
Fan reactions
Jacoby Brissett is one of the best backups in the league and can start and win you games also. This is a great pickup for the Commanders.
— Zac (@DCzWall) March 15, 2023
Jacoby Brissett brings a wealth of experience to the Commanders' lockeroom.
He has collaborated in QB rooms with:
– Tom Brady and Jimmy Garropolo (NE),
– Andrew Luck and Phillip Rivers (IND)
– Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
– Deshaun Watson (CLE)Expected role per GM Martin Mayhew: pic.twitter.com/q4yK8VKGJn
— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) March 16, 2023
I'm good with Jacoby Brissett.
He's capable, he's a good mentor. He's been in a lot of systems under some great coaches. Backed up top QBs, and if called upon is capable of winning. Just by osmosis he's got a lot to share.
I want him as #2, but let the chips fall where they may— John Tayman (@BangRadioHour) March 15, 2023
Anyone displeased with signing Jacoby Brissett was/is kidding themselves about possibilities this offseason lol. Just scroll past their tweets. You’ll feel better for it. Trust me.
— Strickly Speakin’ (@SpiderStrick) March 15, 2023
Al Galdi
Just one significant veteran-quarterback acquisition from the 2022 offseason worked out. It was Jacoby Brissett with the Browns. Did an admirable job while Deshaun Watson was suspended. Finished No. 8 in the NFL in Total QBR. Very good QB2 who can do well as a QB1. #Commanders
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) March 15, 2023
Rick Snider
Rick Snider’s Washington says the Washington Commanders make a solid move in getting QB Jacoby Brissett. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/ok8h8KRxR9
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) March 15, 2023
Albert Breer
So we'd mentioned a few weeks ago, teams planned to go economical at QB—pairing an affordable vet w/a young guy. Happened in 3 spots …
• Washington: Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett.
• Tampa: Kyle Trask, Baker Mayfield.
• Atlanta: Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke.— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2023
PFF's Nick Akridge
PFF grades and stats from 2022 for new Commander Jacoby Brissett:
– 82.6 overall grade (6th highest)
– 4.5% big-time throw % (T-11th highest)
– 3.1% turnover-worthy play % (20th best)— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) March 15, 2023
Bill Barnwell
I was literally just writing this, so yes, I love Jacoby Brissett to the Commanders. pic.twitter.com/i1aMepRc28
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) March 15, 2023
