Rival teams looking to land Commanders QB at trade deadline

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, multiple teams have inquired about the possibility of Washington dealing their backup quarterback. Yet, per Fowler's colleague, John Keim, Brissett's value to the development of starter Sam Howell may be too vital for the Commanders to part ways with.  

Brissett, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal with Washington this offseason, was expected to compete with Howell for the starting gig under center. However, through seven games, Brissett has yet to take an offensive snap. Meanwhile, Howell continues to put up uneven production behind a spotty offensive line as Washington clings to their playoff hopes. 

Howell has tossed seven interceptions this season, tied for fourth-most in the NFL. His 41.5 QBR ranks 25th among signal-callers and he's on pace to be sacked an NFL-record 97 times. 

As for Brissett, the 30-year-old journeyman has been the epitome of steady throughout his eight-year career. Last season, Brissett started 11 games for the Cleveland Browns, tossing 12 touchdowns to six interceptions. While he won't wow you, Brissett has proven to be a capable stop-gap solution and could quickly patch quarterback concerns for a handful of franchises while they seek a long-term resolution at the position. 

The aforementioned Browns and the New England Patriots — who drafted Brissett in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft — are two teams that would be wise to seek a reunion. 

Deshaun Watson's lingering shoulder injury will sideline him for Cleveland's Week 8 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Watson has played just 12 snaps since Week 4. 

Patriots starter Mac Jones is coming off an impressive two-touchdown performance in Week 7. Yet, he's been up and down throughout the season, getting benched in multiple games. New England has also played musical chairs behind Jones, rotating between Bailey Zappe, Will Grier and Malik Cunningham as the primary backup.