The 2023 Washington Commanders quarterback conundrum – Part II

The Washington Commanders will head into the 2023 offseason with the most significant position on the team in limbo.  At this juncture, anything and everything will be on the table.

Last week, the Washington Commanders appeared to be set for the offseason at quarterback as per various reports, but Sunday’s game against the Browns changed the narrative entirely.  Carson Wentz was down to his final opportunity with the Burgundy and Gold, but it quickly became a monumental disaster and his football career could be in its final week.  Look for him to be inactive in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Head Coach Ron Rivera announced on Wednesday that fan favorite Sam Howell will start on Sunday.  The former North Carolina star quarterback hasn’t seen the field this season, but the rookie will finally get a head start on trying to prove that he can be a part of the solution in 2023.  Taylor Heinicke, a pending unrestricted free agent, will serve as the primary backup.  With Wentz on the way out of town and the uncertainty of Heinicke in the coming weeks, last week’s Commanders’ plans at quarterback in 2023 are now in disarray.  Welcome to the last three decades.

What will happen at quarterback in the next few weeks and months?  The Commanders had a plan set in place last week, but it is no longer viable.  Let’s take a quick look at three different scenarios for the upcoming offseason and try to make some sense of this latest quarterback conundrum.  Each scenario is in no particular order.

Scenario Number One

The Commanders could roll with two new quarterbacks and current rookie Sam Howell in 2023.  Could the 2023 starter be a desired free agent or one that is acquired in a high-stakes trade?  Knowing how unsuccessful the Wentz trade from last spring proved to be this season, the front office is unlikely to trade draft picks for any veteran this offseason.  If the Wentz trade doesn’t convince you, then take a look at what happened in Denver with Russell Wilson.

First Solution:

• Free agent starter
• Primary backup – Sam Howell
• Late-round draft pick or priority undrafted free agent (UDFA)

Scenario Number Two

The Commanders could add a quarterback in the first or second round of the 2023 NFL draft and have that player compete with Sam Howell for the starting job. This could negate taking a cornerback and offensive linemen earlier than anticipated as many analysts have been speculating since mid-fall. The most important position on the team certainly needs attention.  How much does the team value the current crop of quarterback prospects? Under this scenario, look for the Commanders to sign a veteran journeyman – a player that rarely sees the field.

Second Solution:

• Draft pick and Sam Howell
• Veteran journeyman

Scenario Number Three

The one trait this coaching staff will always value is familiarity with the system and playbook.  A substantial number of players have come to Washington from Ron Rivera’s time with the Carolina Panthers, including Taylor Heinicke.  Heinicke’s familiarity with the offensive playbook has given him an advantage over current and recent quarterbacks, but his limitations have also hindered the team at times.  Heinicke could return as the starter with the understanding that Howell would also compete directly against him.  The Commanders could add a late-round draft pick or UDFA as the third option at quarterback.

Third Solution:

• Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell
• Late round draft pick or a priority UDFA

Any of these three scenarios is possible. The front office and coaches only have a few weeks to formulate a plan and decide accordingly.  What a difference a few days can make.  See you as we go along.