Plenty can change over the next few months, but at the moment, the Commanders are preparing as if Sam Howell will be their starting quarterback in 2023. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports writes that the Commanders are telling potential offensive coordinator candidates that Howell is expected to be the team’s QB1 when they open camp.
[RELATED: Commanders Contact Jim Caldwell About OC Job]
While the Commanders seem to be making it clear that they won’t be making a big splash at the position (either via free agency, trade, or with the No. 16 in the draft), ESPN’s John Keim cautions (on Twitter) that Howell still has to win the job. As Keim notes, “other options will be discussed” for the position, while Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports still expects the front office “to really look at QB options this offseason” (Twitter link).
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, Howell spent most of his rookie campaign behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. He started the Commanders’ Week 18 win over the Cowboys, completing 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added another 35 yards and a touchdown on five carries. As Nicki Jhabvala tweets, the Commanders front office likes the idea of having a starting QB on a rookie contract, and they’re apparently confident enough in what they saw in 2022 to hand Howell the reigns in 2023.
While the writing was on the wall, this report seems to indicate that Wentz will be one-and-done in Washington. The organization has an easy out on his contract that will leave them with no dead cap. Meanwhile, Heinicke has continued to find himself in Ron Rivera‘s dog house, a strong indication that the fan favorite isn’t part of the team’s plans for 2023. Further, Rivera didn’t really give either of the two QBs a ringing endorsement when discussing the position earlier this week.
“It comes back to the one question that’s looming over everybody, and that’s the quarterback position,” Rivera said (via Vacchiano). “I was kind of hoping that we had found a solution. And who knows? We may not. We may have.”
Speaking of the team’s offensive coordinator search, Jhabvala tweets that the organization is “getting a list together” of potential candidates to replace Scott Turner. Pat Shurmur is the latest addition to the grouping, with Jhabvala pointing out the coach’s ability to develop young QBs. The former Giants and Browns head coach most previously served as the Broncos offensive coordinator during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Commanders QBs coach Ken Zampese was previously mentioned for a possible promotion to OC, while former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell declined the team’s interview request.
Ron is clearly overmatched as a HC.
How Rivera still has a job is beyond me. No way do they start the year with Howell as their QB. New Ownership will sweep that entire mess out the door. Rivera will be at a Jr College if he wants to be a head coach. The man is clueless.
What on earth? Howell has potential, and I don’t think he should have fallen to the fifth round, but this is awfully drastic.
Wentz is much better than Howell
Wentz is slated to make $26 million or he can be released with no dead money. That’s not a tough choice.
Right now, yes. Howell gives Washington an option in the future, however. I don’t think that any of us expect Wentz to be in Washington two years from now, even if he was retained for next season.
Of course, Howell hasn’t even operated as the true number two for a season yet. Starting Wentz next year and then turning to Howell if he struggles seems more prudent to me. I wouldn’t handcuff a potential coordinator to either candidate right now as is. Retaining the three and allowing that coordinator to choose would probably be the best option. Howell still has a few more years on his deal, so there isn’t a need to rush him in if he is not ready next year.
SMOKESCREEN
If you watched the game. He is clearly the starter for next year.
Howell looked very promising in his start, but I don’t know if I’d be handing him the car keys just yet.
You expect this verbiage from the front office given the likelihood that the QB carousel won’t have a jackpot landing in Washington, if there is even a jackpot to be had. And they’re too far down in the draft to get a day 1 starter at QB.
I’m sure they’ll be some sort of plan B, but it’ll probably end up being, at best, a career backup, or perhaps a resigning of Heineke. This is a vote of confidence for a young QB more than anything. Hope he’s good.
Makes sense. Use that mid-first pick to start building a good line. The defense had moments and McLauren, Dotson and Robinson should be good enough to give an average QB a chance of making the playoffs. Make it attractive for the next unhappy superstar QB to actually want to come in 2 years.
Howell was being talked about as a 1st round prospect in 2020 (3500 pass yds,30 TD/7 int, 146 rushing). There was a drop off in talent around him in the 2021 season so NC lost a few more games, he fell in the draft yet still put up good numbers in 2021 (3000 passing 24 TD/9 int 848 rushing)
He has the arm, the mobility, the pocket presence and just spent a year learning behind 2 vets. Is there a better option at #16? Get a vet QB in FA to back him up and give him a chance.
And, whatever you do, don’t hire Pat Shurmur.
Exactly. Howell will be a great NFL QB. QB position is not a problem. Just sign a backup to Howell. Preferably Heinicke. Upgrade the OL and resign Payne.
Agreed – and Kam Curl.
Committed till the draft.
Soooo why didn’t they try Howell out earlier in the year ? Remember Howell wasn’t even supposed to start it was Heinicke who was and he said no start Howell. I think it’s crazy to let your season ride on 1 start from a 5th round qb. You need another guy.
Ron said early in the season he thought Howell needed a year to learn, plus he had a $28 mil, 2 3rd round pick investment he needed to try out.
Danny Wuefferel (or however you spell it) 2.0
Losers gonna lose.
I can’t believe Del Rio stayed and is staying after how Rivera treated him for telling the truth. I wouldn’t be able to listen to a word he says.
I think what’s even crazier is if you asked the players I’m sure that 90% of them would say they want Heinicke as their starter.
Surely that Carrie’s a lot of weight, they play and train with him everyday and they all know he’s better and he’s a leader. Howell was a 5th round pick rookie with 1 start. Wentz is clearly going to get cut and I don’t think drafting someone in 16th overall is a smart idea either but I wouldn’t be putting all my faith into this 1 kid
It’s pretty clear that Rivera is floundering – and will likely take the next OC down the drain with him.
Lol. What a truly absurd headline. The offseason hasn’t even started yet and Washington has already given up.
Good for Washington . . .
6-11 in 2023.