The Washington Commanders, perennially seeking stability at the quarterback position, face another offseason challenge in determining their offensive leader for the 2024 season. New General Manager Adam Peters acknowledges the ongoing evaluation process at the NFL Combine, emphasizing that they still have much work ahead to identify their starting quarterback.
Washington has witnessed a revolving door of quarterbacks since 2019, with various players taking the field, including Alex Smith, Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy, Mark Sanchez, Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, and others.
Sam Howell, the most recent starter, is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams, potentially opening the door for a trade. With the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Washington has the flexibility to select a quarterback and has ample salary cap space.
However, Peters acknowledges the challenges of selecting a successful quarterback, recognizing the complexity of the position. He emphasizes that evaluating quarterbacks involves more than just their talent, skill set, and arm strength, pointing out the nuances that play a crucial role.
Peters acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in evaluating players and selecting quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of building a team through successful draft picks. While recognizing that mistakes will happen in player evaluation, he emphasizes the goal of improving the hit rate in the draft to strengthen the team.
Regarding the possibility of trading up in the draft, Peters remains open to various scenarios, stating that staying informed about potential opportunities is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of gathering information and making the best decision for the team, keeping all options on the table.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the quarterback position, Peters expresses hope and confidence in Sam Howell, the current quarterback on the roster. Peters indicates that he had a personal interaction with Howell, taking a walk around the facility to get to know him better. While exploring various options, Peters remains excited about Howell’s potential contributions to the team.
In the 2023 season, Howell played 17 games, finishing with a 4-13 record, a 63.4% completion rate, 3,946 passing yards, 21 touchdown passes, five rushing touchdowns, but also led the league with 21 interceptions and faced 65 sacks.
