Commanders Playoff Push vs. 'Tank' For 'The Next Mahomes' in QB Caleb Williams?

The Washington Commanders are entering a make-or-break year, but would it be better to tank for USC quarterback Caleb Williams?

There's no sugarcoating the Washington Commanders quarterback situation. It has been one of the worst in the NFL. 

Ever since Kirk Cousins bolted for the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, Washington has started 12 different quarterbacks, the most in the NFL that time-span. And really, we have to go back half a century, to Joe Theismann, to identify the last Washington QB who qualifies as a "long-term star.''

Now, Washington's hopes to resolve its ever-aching quarterback problem rests in the hands of Sam Howell. But is Howell the guy to solve those problems?

USC's Caleb Williams is seen as the clear-cut best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. His play has even drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

With Williams' potential ceiling and the Commanders' persistent question marks at the position, Bleacher Report listed Washington as one of the teams who should consider tanking for him as a "top priority."

"[Howell] fell into Day 3 of the '22 draft for multiple reasons," Bleacher Report writes. "He needs to show consistency within a pro scheme. From there, he will have a chance. Until then, the Commanders are a rudderless organization that can be competitive yet clearly behind the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in their own division."

Williams threw for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2022 en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He also ran for 382 yards and 10 touchdowns. Williams is entering his junior season for the Trojans. 

Depending on a fifth-round quarterback in a make-or-break season is a risky proposition for head coach Ron Rivera, though Howell has shown promise. 

In his long start in the 2022 season, he completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards while throwing one touchdown and one interception in Washington's 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also ran for 35 yards and a score. 

Howell has also progressed throughout the offseason and impressed his teammates with his play, including wide receiver Terry McLaurin. 

"He showed some great signs of growth against Dallas last year and now for this whole season, we get to see what he does," McLaurin said. "He has a quiet command about him. He comes into the huddle, he knows what he's doing, he's super smart, [and] he's picked up the system really well."

Tanking clearly isn't in Rivera's best interest. Anything short of reaching the playoffs likely spells the end of his run as the Commanders head coach.  

But what's best for Rivera, his coaching staff and front office may not align with what's best for the franchise. 

Howell may turn out to be a diamond in the rough as a former fifth-round pick. He may surpass expectations compared to most late-round quarterbacks. Only time will tell. 

But waiting in the wings is a potential generational quarterback that only comes around every few years. And for a franchise that has been in quarterback hell the last five seasons, Williams may be the answer they've been searching for. 

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