Don't be surprised if Commanders draft QB to replace Howell

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Don't be surprised if Commanders draft QB to replace Sam Howell

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/26/23

It seems the Washington Commanders think second-year quarterback Sam Howell isn't the answer after they benched him in their past two games.

ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano implied he wouldn't be surprised if the Commanders (4-11) fire head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew at the end of the season, which could result in a QB change.

"So many changes are expected in Washington this offseason. We expect a new coach and maybe a new GM and front office structure," wrote Graziano. "Without knowing who the new people in charge will be come March and April, it's impossible to know what they'll think of Howell as an NFL starting quarterback."

Howell — the 144th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft — has completed 63.2% of his passes for 3,624 yards and 19 TDs in 15 games. However, he's turnover-prone, leading the league in interceptions (17).

KYLE DUGGER WITH THE INTERCEPTION OFF OF SAM HOWELL pic.twitter.com/MlZRPC0ZZb
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 5, 2023

Per Tanakathon, Washington will have the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and select North Carolina QB Drake Maye. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller compared the 21-year-old to Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert — the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a former Pro Bowler.

.@UNCFootball evens the score with this touchdown pass to Devonte Walker from Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/IWo9iwVHY2
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) October 21, 2023

"Maye is poised in the pocket but also mobile when necessary," wrote Miller. "And he has proven the past two seasons that he's capable of putting a team on his back with awesome arm talent and the toughness to pick up difficult yards as a runner."

Washington's best move is drafting another QB, such as Maye, and keeping Howell as an above-average backup. The Commanders must find a legitimate face of the franchise to become respectable again. They've only made two postseason appearances over the past decade.

More must-reads: