Commanders QB Sam Howell Has 'Very Bright Future', Says Taylor Heinicke

Taylor Heinicke gave high praise on the Pat McAfee show to Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

If Taylor Heinicke’s words mean anything, the Washington Commanders may be in good hands with Sam Howell at quarterback.

On Thursday, Heinicke went on the Pat McAfee Show and gave a ringing endorsement of Howell.

“The dude’s a dog,“ Heinicke said of Howell. “I’m very excited for him. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him. He keeps working hard.

“All the guys in the locker room believe in him too.”

Howell made the first start of his career on Jan. 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. Howell completed 11 of his 19 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Washington’s 26-6 win.

Heinicke was initially going to start the season finale, but given that Washington was already eliminated from the playoff race they decided to go with Howell. The decision to roll with Howell was something that Heinicke supported.

“The game really didn’t mean anything for us,“ Heinicke said. “We’ve seen what Sam can do during practice and through training camp. Let’s see what he’s got. Obviously, y’all drafted him for a reason.”

Howell was taken in the fifth round of the 2022 draft by Washington.

The Commanders were seemingly one of the teams that would be looking for a new quarterback heading into next season after their struggles at quarterback.

Wentz went 2-5, including a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 1, where the Commanders were eliminated from playoff contention. The Commanders can save just over $26 million by cutting Wentz this offseason. Heinicke, who won four games this season, is set to be a free agent. 

But now with the emergence of Howell, it seems like the job is his to lose in 2023.

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