Heinicke sings one-year deal with Panthers

Taylor Heinicke, the backup quarterback in Carolina last season, signed a one-year contract with the Panthers, the team announced Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Heinicke appeared in six games last season, starting in Week 16 against Atlanta in place of injured Cam Newton. Heinicke suffered an injured left elbow during the game but missed only one possession before being placed on injured reserve after the game. "I'm excited to be back with the team," Heinicke said. "It's a relief, after the injury and a long offseason."

He completed 37 of 57 passes for 320 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions last season, his first with Carolina, which claimed him off waivers from the Houston Texans in April. Heinicke, an undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion in 2015, made his NFL playing debut in 2017 with Houston, attempting one pass. Carolina also has Newton and second-year quarterback Kyle Allen under contract. Allen started the 2018 season finale.