Commanders' Sam Howell Trade, Marcus Mariota Signing a 'Win-Win,' Says Dan Quinn

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn believes the decision to trade Sam Howell and sign Marcus Mariota was a positive for all parties.

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) sits on the / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO -- The Washington Commanders' offseason has been dominated by questions surrounding the quarterback position - but for head coach Dan Quinn, one move comes with a clear answer.

The Commanders traded last year's starting signal caller Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, officially marking the end of Howell's two-year tenure. It also confirmed that Marcus Mariota, who agreed to terms on a contract the day before, would be Washington's backup.

Quinn, hired less than two months, coached twice against Howell last season as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator. Quinn knows what makes Howell tick - and in this case, he believes giving Howell a fresh start is a positive.

"One, I was glad to be in as part of the process, but I've said it before, how impressed I was with Sam as a competitive, tough guy," Quinn said. "And I thought once in a while in our league there's a good win-win that takes place."

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) sits on the turf. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This swap qualifies as such in Quinn's eyes.

The 23-year-old Howell, who completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while starting all 17 games last season, gets to sit behind Geno Smith in Seattle and continue his progression.

Washington, meanwhile, gets a veteran backup in Mariota who's a capable mentor for whichever quarterback the team selects at No. 2 overall in April's draft.

So, for Quinn, everyone from the Commanders and Mariota to the Seahawks and Howell ultimately depart the transaction in a better place.

"I think Sam heading to Seattle, they're excited to have him," Quinn said. "He's got a great opportunity there with those guys. For us, Marcus being here, that was an opportunity that we want to do as well. So, every once in a while, those win-wins happen but I certainly respect who [Howell] is."

The Commanders have solved their backup-turned-mentor question - and Quinn seems to think they did so in convincing fashion.

Now comes the bigger challenge - finding the right face of the franchise to ensure another starting quarterback isn't traded and doesn't become the focus of a backup-laden conversation.