Commanders Free Agent QB Jacoby Brissett: Sign or Say Goodbye?

Despite the rumors regarding their desire to select a quarterback in April’s draft, the Washington Commanders may wish to retain the veteran experience provided by Jacoby Brissett.

While many consider the Washington Commanders selection of a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft to be a foregone conclusion, the nature of their backup situation is seemingly a bit less clear. 

Should USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels be running Washington’s offense under new head coach Dan Quinn, said rookie quarterback may need some additional veteran help beyond third-year QB Sam Howell. 

Enter soon-to-be free agent Jacoby Brissett? 

One sports media outlet apparently believes the idea of Washington retaining the 31-year-old’s has merit. 

Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) throws the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

"Why didn’t Washington trade the backup quarterback at the in-season deadline? Beyond the injury/performance hedge, former coach Ron Rivera wanted a veteran mentor for first-year starter Sam Howell. The same approach under Quinn would mean signing an experienced passer for a first-round rookie, seeing as the 23-year-old Howell is still learning the ropes," The Athletic writes.

Following his best statistical season as a pro with the Cleveland Browns in 2022, Brissett signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Commanders last March. He served as Howell’s primary backup until Week 15, when he relieved Washington’s starter against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the team’s 28–20 loss, Brissett logged 124 yards on eight passes and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. When Howell was benched a second time in the following game against the New York Jets, Brissett led 3 straight touchdown drives to erase a 20-point deficit. Though the team eventually lost 30–28, the NC State product was impressive, completing 10 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown. 

It appeared Brissett had won the starting job for Washington’s penultimate game in Week 17 when former coach Ron Rivera announced that he would get the nod against the San Francisco 49ers. However, Brissett injured his hamstring during practice and was later ruled out. He ultimately finished the season having completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. 

NFL Draft Rumor: Should Commanders Trade Up?

While Brissett’s return to the nation’s capital is far from a from being assured, The Athletic outlines both the feasibility and sensibility of keeping the veteran as a mentor both for Howell, as well as the team’s potential franchise quarterback under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. 

"Brissett could open as the spot starter should the staff prefer letting Caleb Williams/Drake Maye/Jayden Daniels learn by watching. His remarkable proficiency in relief of Howell — touchdowns on five consecutive possessions — won’t be the expectation. Washington could bring him back on a one- or two-year contract. A multiyear deal could net more guaranteed money with a smaller APY than 2023’s $8 million."