NFL Trade Rumors: 'Several Teams' Interested in Commanders' Sam Howell

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has reportedly emerged as a trade target for "several teams" as the franchise looks to select a new quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick.

Sam Howell endured a rather trying time as Washington Commanders starter in his first season. Behind an offensive line that struggled to protect him and being a young quarterback, a lot of mistakes were made on the field, but it was all part of the learning process.

As such, the Commanders finished the year with a 4-13 record and now hold the No. 2 pick in the draft which most think the franchise will take a quarterback with.

But if you thought that Howell doesn't have any value now after his first full season as a starter, you would be wrong.

According to Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano, Howell has the potential to be a trade target for several NFL teams this offseason.

"Multiple NFL sources believe several teams would be interested in trading for the 23-year-old who threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns in 17 starts last season (albeit with an NFL-worst 21 interceptions)," Vacchiano writes. "They could potentially get a third-round pick for him — maybe more — if they decide they're willing to deal him sometime around the draft."

Nov 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) signals to the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field / Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Howell as a trade target is an interesting idea, and it isn't one without merit. He showed glimpses of his talent last year and while it was fleeting, there was a genuine thought (ask Jonathan Allen) that the Commanders had their quarterback for the next decade in Howell.

But having the No. 2 overall pick in a draft littered with talented quarterbacks changes things. 

Now, Howell faces a losing battle to keep his starting job as the consensus is that whoever Washington selects, will be the starter going forward (assuming it's a quarterback).

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So, could a team offer him a lifeline and would he be a starter somewhere else or a backup?

Teams trading for Howell wouldn't have been on most people's bingo cards a couple of weeks ago, but now there appear to be "several teams" in line for his services.