The Washington Commanders have the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, and regardless of whether Caleb Williams is there , they’ll have a chance to draft a talented quarterback.
But at this point, it doesn’t appear Dan Quinn is ready to slam the door shut on Sam Howell serving as the starting quarterback next season.
Howell took over Washington’s offense last season, and though he had his occasional moments, he didn’t show enough to prove he should be the quarterback of the future. Now, the Commanders are in prime position to reset the quarterback clock while also taking a player who has a higher ceiling than the 2022 fifth-rounder.
Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels would be a plenty decent consolation prize if the Bears do take Williams at No. 1. But whether it’s through the draft or free agency, the Commanders have multiple opportunities in front of them to go in a different direction at quarterback.
It was interesting, then, when Commanders GM Adam Peters said this week at the NFL Combine that “now I’ve got to find a new quarterback” in response to a question about finding Brock Purdy while with the 49ers.
Appearing Wednesday on The Sports Junkies, Quinn was asked if that comment suggests Howell doesn’t have a chance to be the starter next season.
“I think you’re definitely reading into things, which is absolutely the job,” Quinn said. “As we’re going through, we’re absolutely digging on every part of the team. Just trying to find a competitive edge in every spot – whether that’s wide receiver, D-end, O-line, corner – whatever it is, that’s what we’re digging on.
“But when you’re talking about a player like Brock, there’s value all over. That’s really what it’s about. It might be the next Brock Purdy at a different position, like how did this guy go from being a seventh-round pick to being this wide receiver that exploded in the league? Those things are kind of what makes the scouting circle fun, because why didn’t everybody else see what you saw? As you’re going through, I think it just applies to everybody.
“We’ve already had conversations with Sam, a tough, aggressive player. For me, I had the chance to compete against the team over the last few years and saw firsthand how talented he is.”
That’s hardly an admission that Howell doesn’t have a chance to be the starter, but it isn’t exactly an endorsement, either. But at this point in the offseason with the roster so in flux it would do Quinn no good to commit one way or another.
Suffice it to say the next two months will certainly offer some clarity into how the Commanders view Howell’s long-term fit with the team.
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