4 Commanders players with stud or dud potential in 2023

Sam Howell – Commanders QB

It’s been interesting to see various comments surrounding Sam Howell this off-season. The Washington Commanders are confident he can become their long-term option under center, but those in power laid down the gauntlet in no uncertain terms by signing veteran Jacoby Brissett in free agency to boost their options.

Brissett is confident in winning the starting job. His production with the Cleveland Browns last season means it cannot be ruled out, but Howell won’t go down without a fight and could have a head start after developing chemistry with his teammates last time around.

There isn’t much to go off where Howell is concerned despite an encouraging first start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. His teammates appear on board and Eric Bieniemy also feels like this could be a signal-caller that can thrive within his system.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed. But the Commanders have a contingency plan in place in the event Howell cannot meet increased expectations in 2023.

He is also on a fifth-round rookie contract, so if the Commanders feel like things aren’t going to work out for whatever reason, there will be almost no financial repercussions to this decision.

Howell knows what a big chance this is to firmly establish himself as an NFL starter. Something many anticipated after the 2021 season when he was projected to be the No. 1 overall selection by many analysts.