Commanders QB Sam Howell Among NFL Free Agency Winners?

With the moves being made by the Washington Commanders in the first wave of NFL free agency, quarterback Sam Howell may be the biggest winner of them all.

The Washington Commanders have done some good things so far this new NFL season, but there's one player who stands to gain the most. 

That player is Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

For starters, the additions of offensive linemen Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates will help the second-year quarterback throw from a more comfortable pocket this season, aiding him in further securing the starting job. 

Wylie is coming off a Super Bowl season with the Kansas City Chiefs and will provide a veteran presence with experience as to who new offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy is, and what he'll expect. 

Gates, meanwhile, has allowed just two sacks dating back to the 2019 season and jumps over from the NFC East having played for the New York Giants prior to landing in Washington. 

But it's not just those moves that make Howell a winner in all of this. 

Despite some thinking otherwise, Howell is a winner following the signing of veteran and former Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Prior to Brissett arriving the thought was Taylor Heinicke would return. Within that return was the assumption he'd backup Howell, and help him further develop as the starting quarterback for the Commanders. 

Just 24 hours after Heinicke reportedly agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons, Brissett agreed to join Washington. 

Did the mentality inside the organization really shift that quickly, or is the outside opinion of Brissett that much better than that of Heinicke?

We think it's likely to be the latter. 

There are some other Commanders winners following the first wave of NFL free agency as well. 

Linebacker Cody Barton joined the team during the first league week, and that alone makes him a winner as he will now play behind a much better defensive line than the one he had with the Seattle Seahawks. Additionally, Barton's skill set appears to be a fit for Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's scheme as well. 

Some other winners include defensive tackle Daron Payne, following his well-earned new contract, and running back Brian Robinson Jr., who will also benefit from offensive line improvements this coming season. 

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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