4 Commanders players who’ll benefit from early free-agent moves in 2023

Sam Howell – Commanders QB

Even though the Washington Commanders signed Jacoby Brissett to boost their quarterback room, this is good news for Sam Howell. That might sound strange, but digging a little deeper indicates this is exactly the case.

First of all, Howell needs to be around a veteran that’s going to challenge him. Getting complacent is not an option for the former fifth-round selection, so Brissett joining the ranks is another fascinating offseason dynamic for the Commanders this summer.

Brissett wouldn’t have made this switch without a genuine belief that he could win the No. 1 spot. But for Howell, this could have been a lot worse.

The Commanders could have signed Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr, or even made a bold move for Lamar Jackson. Instead, those in power gave him a legitimate opportunity to compete with Brissett, which is what Ron Rivera always promised.

What comes next is down to Howell. If he shows out throughout the preparation period and copes well with Eric Bieniemy’s increased demands, the North Carolina product should have enough in his locker to become the starter in 2023.

If not, the Commanders have themselves a more than capable veteran option that’s proven to be efficient and productive when called upon.

May the best man win.