After starting three different quarterbacks in 2022, the Washington Commanders believe they finally have their quarterback of the future. According to ESPN's John Keim, the Commanders are "all-in" on second-year passer Sam Howell.
Why Washington is all-in on Sam Howell as its quarterback… more than just one start. Now? He’ll have to prove them right. https://t.co/PuWND04yNR
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 6, 2023
Howell started one game for the Commanders last year, a Week 18 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys in which he completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He entered the league as the 144th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Commanders' commitment to Howell is surprising, particularly given his draft pedigree and lack of production. To his credit, he was prolific in college, totalling 10283 passing yards with 92 passing touchdowns and 23 interceptions over 37 appearances with North Carolina. Still, those numbers didn't earn him much attention in the draft.
Howell has apparently made great strides in endearing himself to the front office and the locker room, but it's difficult to imagine him lifting the Commanders out of their morass. They've finished 23rd or worse in points scored in each of the past five seasons. Howell is unlikely to be afforded a long leash. If he struggles at all this year, he could see the bench quickly, and if that happens, there should be little doubt the Commanders will be in the hunt for a franchise quarterback next offseason.
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