Commanders Looming QB Decision Could Define Franchise For The Next Decade

The Washington Commanders have a big decision to make at the quarterback position, and it could have long-lasting ramifications for the franchise.

What the Washington Commanders do at the quarterback position over the offseason is going to make for interesting viewing. 

Sam Howell showed his talents at times in his first year as the starter, but given Washington's draft hand (hold the No. 2 pick), a chance has come along to potentially grab its next franchise quarterback.

North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels are the two who have popped up recently in various mock drafts. Either quarterback could be seen as an upgrade over Howell who threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions as he led the Commanders to a 4-13 record.

With a new owner in Josh Harris and new general manager in Adam Peters, times are changing in Washington, and this time for the better.

However, there is still one domino to fall, and that's who the organization will have as its head coach. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald have been two highly touted options and now that their teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, interviews can begin.

LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls for the ball against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) during the second half at Tiger Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

While several holes in the Commanders' roster need filling, one would imagine that the No. 1 priority for the new head coach is to figure out what to do with the quarterback position.

Is Howell the guy to lead this team into a new era? Or is it going to be a better decision to draft a young star like Daniels or Maye to be the face of a new and improved franchise?

One thing is starting to become clearer as the weeks go on, and it's that Howell's days as Washington starter are beginning to feel like they are over.

This means a new quarterback will be coming in. Just which way Washington goes in its search is going to be scrutinized as this decision could have long-lasting repercussions for the franchise.

NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Make Surprising Pick at No. 2

Both Maye and Daniels are high-caliber quarterbacks but as we have seen this year with Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, the Commanders don't want to be left lamenting picking the wrong quarterback.

That's not to say that Young won't develop into a top quarterback eventually, but right now, Stroud is further along.

The Commanders have a huge decision to make, and its one that they have to get right.