The Washington Commanders will have a new head coach (Dan Quinn) and a new offensive coordinator (Kliff Kingsbury). However, the changes within the team representing the nation’s capital might not stop there, based on their free agency movement and NFL Draft placement.
The Commanders agreed to terms with quarterback Marcus Mariota on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. The second overall selection in the 2015 draft will join his fifth NFL team once the 2024 NFL league year starts on March 13.
Aside from bringing in the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, there’s widespread belief that they will take a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2024 draft. Having an early first-round pick puts them in a position to select Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels.
If they will add Mariota and a rookie quarterback to their roster, does it mean that Sam Howell’s days with the Commanders are over? The team selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, and he played one game during his rookie season.
However, he became the starter after edging Jacoby Brissett in the 2023 training camp. His second season started well, as he threw 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Unfortunately, Washington’s campaign unraveled as he ended up with 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He also took a league-worst 65 sacks.
Though the Commanders finished the season at 4-13, there are some positives from Howell’s game. He had 3,946 passing yards, the 12th-most among quarterbacks last season. His 232.1 passing yards per game is seventh among quarterbacks who played 17 games in 2023.
While Washington hasn’t officially put him up for trade, several teams will show interest once they make him available. The Denver Broncos are looking for a quarterback after releasing Russell Wilson. The New York Giants could be in the QB market to improve their depth chart. Likewise, the Los Angeles Rams might be looking for Matthew Stafford’s successor.
Therefore, there might be an intense bidding war once the Commanders field offers for Sam Howell. Regardless of where he lands, it’s inevitable that his future won’t be with Washington.
-Lance Fernandez