The Washington Commanders are going to be a very interesting team to keep an eye on this offseason. Ron Rivera and company would like to get back to contention in the NFC, but that will be easier said than done. First and foremost, the Commanders will need to find a quality veteran quarterback to come in behind Sam Howell, just in case the young quarterback doesn’t perform well.
Granted, there is no guarantee that the Commanders will actually end up starting Howell in 2023. That has been something they have been openly planning for, but they need to be open to doing whatever it takes to improve the team.
Many thought the Commanders would be an ideal destination for Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson this offseason. There is a chance that Jackson could be on the move, but there have already been reports that Washington will not be one of the teams that pursues him.
With that being said, there is one veteran quarterback who is being talked about as a possible fit for the team in free agency.
Commanders Could Pursue Intriguing NFC East Quarterback In Free Agency
CBS Sports went through and match-made quite a few free agent quarterbacks this offseason. In that article, they had Washington ending up with Philadelphia Eagles’ free agent quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Washington has publicly endorsed 2022 rookie Sam Howell as a potential Week 1 starter, but Minshew may offer just as much upside going on 27, and he’s started 23 more games with both the Jaguars and rival Eagles. A likable leader who would have no issue airing it out to Terry McLaurin, he also wouldn’t necessarily cost a ton, allowing Ron Rivera and Co. to fill other holes.
Minshew is being talked about as an under-the-radar veteran quarterback for quite a few different teams around the NFL. He has been a solid quarterback when he has played, but his time as a guaranteed starter is likely gone. Joining a team like the Commanders would give him a chance to battle for playing time, which would be intriguing to him as well.
READ MORE: 4 Teams Eliminated As Possible Lamar Jackson Trade Suitors
During the five games he played in 2022, Minshew ended up completing 57.9 percent of his pass attempts for 663 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Those numbers are clearly rough, but they aren’t fair to judge him on either.
Back in 2020 in nine games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minshew racked up 2,259 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 66.1 percent of his passes.
The Commanders could do a lot worse than Minshew this offseason. Ideally, Howell will come in and impress right off the bat. If that doesn’t happen, they would have a solid veteran to turn to in Minshew.
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