Commanders Offseason Preview: Quarterback Leads in Importance

The Washington Commanders are entering a critical offseason with their quarterback decision at the center of it all.

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders are at a crossroads of sorts, even though they've firmly taken a path toward rebuilding the coaching staff, front office, and seem primed to mostly reconstruct their roster this offseason.

Central to all of the decisions coming up for the Commanders is the quarterback position, and tied to it the fate of Sam Howell after two years in the organization and one year of starting experience.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at FedExField / Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

2024 QUARTERBACKS

As the lone quarterback currently under contract for the 2024 NFL Season Howell is the top guy, for now.

But that could quickly change with either a free agent signing, a trade, or an NFL Draft selection by Washington this offseason, and we'd anticipate at least a quarterback competition next season.

And that's if the team doesn't just shift gears with a full-on replacement move. 

Howell's nearly 4,000 yards passing last year was top 12 in the league and his 21 touchdown passes were 15th. But his interceptions led the NFL and his touchdown percentage was near the bottom.

He was also the recipient of a league-high 65 sacks.

Compared to other first-year starters like C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) and Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers) Howell threw 80 or more passes than each of them, something a lot of people point to as a reason his ability to succeed dwindled as the season progressed.

2024 FREE AGENTS

Veteran Jacoby Brissett turns 32 in December and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent while Jake From is six years younger and is a restricted free agent.

Currently, Washington is scheduled to spend just $1.075 million of its 2024 salary cap on the position which is the second-lowest amount in the league.

That total will obviously change, but by how much is the question, and that depends on how they approach finding those additions.

Commanders Offseason Preview: Offensive Line

The Commanders' quarterback situation is far from settled entering the offseason and even as some outsiders want to see Howell given another chance to prove he's grown from his 2023 experiences there are just as many who stand on the table of taking a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. 

Prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye lead the rush on rookie quarterbacks there are free agents like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield who provide intriguing options this offseason as well.

While everyone has their opinion, most don't have a real firm grasp on just what Washington will do.

We all know whatever they do is going to be crucially important, however, which makes it the central storyline to watch this offseason.