3 pros and cons of Sam Howell being Commanders QB1 in 2024
By Dean Jones
What are the pros and cons surrounding Sam Howell potentially being the Washington Commanders starting quarterback in 2024?
Significant changes are looming for the Washington Commanders when the 2023 season ends. Ron Rivera and his staff will be gone. General manager Martin Mayhew and the front office will likely follow. As for the players, most are also facing an uncertain future.
One of the more complex decisions is what any new coaching regime could do with Sam Howell. The quarterback has developed well in difficult circumstances this season. He's had some low moments, but there's been plenty of highs thrown in for good measure.
Howell needs to finish the campaign strongly to improve his chances of being the guy next year and potentially beyond. The coaching staff who believed in him leaving the Commanders isn't ideal. But the former fifth-round selection is used to fighting through adversity given Washington's struggles overall this season.
It's a hot topic of discussion right now. With this in mind, here are three pros and cons to Howell being under center in 2024.
Pro No. 1
Sam Howell's contract
Of course, Sam Howell's on-field production is a big deciding factor. It's also worth remembering Josh Harris favors an analytical approach that takes everything into account before making an important decision.
One of the most intriguing elements to Howell being QB1 next season is financial. He's only two years into his fifth-round rookie deal. He counts $1.03 million against the cap in 2024 and $1.19 million on the final year of his deal in 2025.
This frees up exponential funds to strengthen problem positions and surround Howell with everything he needs to thrive. Even a first-round quarterback this year will make more. Giving the one-time North Carolina sensation another year makes sense on the money side of things.