It will be interesting to see what the Washington Commanders decide to do with Sam Howell this offseason, as the team is likely to select a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft with the second overall pick, with Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels as the top choices.
With the rare chance to select a franchise player, the Washington Commanders face a huge quarterback conundrum under their new owners and their new head coach, Dan Quinn, who arrived from the Dallas Cowboys.
“It’s the biggest question the Commanders need to answer this offseason. Howell showed some promise as the starter in his second season, but with the team in a position to possibly get a franchise player with the second pick in the draft, resetting at quarterback is an option it must consider,” wrote Zach Selby, who is the senior writer for the Washington Commanders.
“Caleb Williams is considered the best prospect, although he’s expected to be taken by the Chicago Bears, assuming they don’t trade out of the No. 1 overall pick,” added Selby. “However, this is also considered a deep class, with players like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix all projected to be first-round picks. If Peters and Quinn do decide to take a quarterback, they’ll spend the next few months weighing the advantages that each signal-caller presents.”
Sam Howell showed signs of promise in the 2023 season, but not enough
Sam Howell did play well for parts last season for the Washington Commanders. Overall, the former North Carolina signal-caller had 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns for a 63.4 percent completion percentage.
Yes, those numbers are great, but Howell also led the league in interceptions (21) and sacks (65), which just goes to show that he still has a long way to go to become a starting-caliber quarterback here in the NFL.
Howell was eventually benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett, and it is no surprise that the Washington Commanders finished last in the NFC East with a 4-13 record, capped off by an eight-game losing streak.
What’s next for Sam Howell?
If Sam Howell wants to stay in Washington, he may have to accept that he’ll be the backup quarterback behind either Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels, albeit a high-profile one.
But there’s also a huge chance that Sam Howell finds himself playing for another NFL team. With many teams looking for quarterback depth this offseason, the 2019 ACC Rookie of the Year awardee should be coveted by a host of teams if the Washington Commanders trade him.