Jacoby Brissett bets on himself to secure Commanders QB job in 2023

Jacoby Brissett has bet on himself once again as he looks to wrestle the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback job from Sam Howell.

After releasing Carson Wentz and seeing Taylor Heinicke join the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, the Washington Commanders had a real need for a veteran quarterback. Someone that could compete with and assist Sam Howell heading into Year 2 of his professional career.

With viable options diminishing with every passing day, the Commanders needed to strike quickly. Something they managed to accomplish by signing Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million deal that includes $7.5 million guaranteed according to Spotrac.

This was one of the top options remaining on the market. Brissett performed well for the Cleveland Browns in 2022 before Deshaun Watson’s suspension ended, and there was a notable drop-off after this change given how much football their marquee trade addition missed over the last two years.

Jacoby Brissett wants to start for the Commanders in 2023

Brissett put himself in a decent position thanks to his performances last season. The limitations are evident, but this was a dependable presence Washington was seeking in the event Howell cannot meet expectations.

The former North Carolina State college star – who handled negotiations himself with advice – clearly feels this is a good landing spot to potentially win a starting job next season. Howell will have plenty to say about that, so it promises to be a camp battle worth monitoring closely when the time arrives.

According to Brissett’s comments during his media availability on Wednesday, the signal-caller plans to do it all. There is a fierce desire for the veteran to show the world he can be a consistent starter again while also needing to mentor Howell and show him what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

This is the right mentality to have. Brissett is getting paid like a top-tier NFL backup in the event Washington goes with Howell, but represents a substantial bargain if he does end up becoming the No. 1 next season.

The Commanders have laid down the gauntlet to Howell in no uncertain terms. There is a belief he can build on a promising first start in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys, but there’s just no telling for sure until we see what improvements come about this offseason.

Brissett’s experience will be invaluable either way for Washington in 2023. But the player did not choose the Commanders to stand on the sidelines, one suspects.

He wants to start. He wants to be a factor. Picking the Commanders with their situation uncertainty under center is all the proof needed.

Betting on himself is something that’s been prevalent throughout Brissett’s career. Not many gave him a chance as a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, so this predicament will be nothing new for the player when he puts on the famous burgundy and gold.

Let the battle commence. And make no mistake, the Commander stand to benefit enormously from their upcoming quarterback competition whichever way it goes.

Brissett isn’t lacking in confidence. Neither is Howell.

What’s important for the Commanders is giving both players a clean slate and letting the best signal-caller win.