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.
Con No. 1
Draft standing could impact Sam Howell
The Washington Commanders are freefalling toward a high-end pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They are now in sole possession of the No. 4 selection after every four-win team emerged victorious during their bye. It could get even better in the coming weeks depending on how the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals fare.
If the Commanders don't start stacking victories and the two aforementioned teams above them finish the season strongly, a top-two pick isn't out of the question. With a new regime coming into the fold, drafting a quarterback in Round No. 1 will be seriously discussed.
Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are the consensus top two signal-callers. Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels is gaining momentum at the right time. Michael Penix Jr. can aid his credentials by guiding Washington to a national championship in the coming weeks.
This will have significant ramifications on Sam Howell's status. While most fans are clamoring for the franchise to draft an elite left tackle, no avenue will be completely shut. A fresh set of ideas coupled with where the Commanders are going to be picking dictates as much.
Any quarterback taken in the top five is expected to start right away. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson continued this trend in 2023. That would leave Howell on the outside looking in and potential trade bait if this scenario came to fruition.
Pro No. 2
Sam Howell could grow with another strong offseason
Ron Rivera almost had no choice other than to start Sam Howell this season. Although the gamble won't prevent the head coach from being relieved of his duties, it's given the new regime plenty to ponder where the gunslinger is concerned.
Howell's highs are astonishing. His lows are equally as frustrating. It was never going to be smooth sailing given the player practically redshirted as a rookie, but it's been largely encouraging aside from the odd bad performance.
This experience in 2023 is going to aid Howell considerably moving forward. What the new coaching staff and front office must figure out is whether he can grow enough to become a genuine franchise-caliber presence under center.
That should be their decision to make. There will be no emotional attachment. The decision will be based purely on what's best for the Commanders as they look to become a legitimate force after so long in the proverbial wilderness.
Howell has the traits normally associated with productive quarterbacks that stand the test of time. His arm is a cannon and he can make every throw with ease. The signal-caller demonstrates impressive mobility. His pocket awareness and decision-making have improved considerably since Week 1.
Build around Howell. Allow a new coaching staff to iron out some flaws. This is the best way to get a proper evaluation of what the Commanders have. Because right now, he could be anything.
In truth, it could go either way. Just another reason why this offseason will be one of the most dramatic and eventful in Washington's storied franchise history.