There are reasons to suggest Sam Howell should be the Washington Commanders starting quarterback in 2024 under a new coaching regime.
It hasn't all been doom and gloom for the Washington Commanders this season. Perhaps their biggest bright spark up to now is Sam Howell, the unheralded quarterback tasked with finally providing some consistency under center after so many failed moves since Kirk Cousins left town.
Howell earned the starting job over Jacoby Brissett during the offseason, which wasn't entirely surprising. There have been some rough moments and obvious growing pains as expected, but he's steadily risen into one of the league's most impactful distributors within Eric Bieniemy's pass-heavy offense.
While this would normally point to the former fifth-round selection getting another year at least, the Commanders are about to embark on franchise-altering changes. These alterations have already begun and are likely to see head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew relieved of their respective duties once the campaign concludes.
Even so, here are three reasons why Howell should be the Commanders' QB1 next season.
Sam Howell's growth
After looking like a rabbit in the headlights early in the season, Sam Howell has grown in multiple key areas. His decision-making is progressing well despite the odd blip, there's a lot to like about his pocket presence these days, and the quarterback is also learning how to fight another day from down to down behind a torrid offensive line.
These are all positive traits Howell can build upon. Eric Bieniemy and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard deserve credit, but the player has that X-factor and ability to elevate his teammates normally associated with productive starting quarterbacks around the league.
Another offseason of development - perhaps under new coaches - might be enough for Howell to take his game up a notch in 2024. After so much turmoil at football's most pivotal position, the Washington Commanders cannot afford to pass up on such an opportunity.
Sam Howell's contract
The Washington Commanders ended what turned out to be a dramatic slide for Sam Howell during the 2022 NFL Draft. Once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick, the former North Carolina star fell into the fifth round after concerns about his final college campaign and how his skill set might not translate to the next level emerged.
Howell lost almost every dynamic playmaker at his disposal to the NFL, so his production needed context attached. Quarterback-needy teams that passed on him are now kicking themselves based on the player's overall output during his first full season as the Washington Commanders starting option.
The Commanders could also benefit greatly if they decide to keep Howell as QB1 in 2024. He'll count just $1.07 million against the salary cap, which is music to the ears of a franchise that could have upwards of $100 million available once early cuts are made.
This is the perfect chance to strengthen other problem positions and build effectively around Howell, especially considering the extra draft assets acquired by trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Make no mistake, Washington is also a coveted destination for players and coaches alike with Dan Snyder no longer factoring into the equation.
If Howell's production isn't enough to quite convince the new regime he's worth starting once again in 2024, then the financial implications might tip the scales in his favor.
Sam Howell deserves a proper evaluation with upgrades
Sam Howell has been making the best of a bad situation this season. Things around the quarterback aren't exactly stable on or off the field, which makes his production all the more impressive when one factors every circumstance into the equation.
Howell's offensive line is an absolute abomination. Some wide receivers haven't met lofty expectations, the tight end room is inconsistent despite flashing, and the defense doesn't give him any chance whatsoever more often than not.
Eric Bieniemy cannot seem to get the running game going with any frequency, either. This has put a significant amount of pressure on Howell's shoulders, which simply cannot continue if the Washington Commanders want to get out of their current slump.
When the new coaching regime comes into the fold, they'll have their own ideas on how best to take the franchise forward. However, Howell's earned the right to a proper evaluation in 2024 with upgraded protection, better skill position options, and a defense that can hopefully come together during the offseason once the right reinforcements arrive.
Of course, it could go the other way for Howell.
The Commanders could be in a position to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye if their freefall continues over the next five games. This is a splash Josh Harris' ownership group might find difficult to ignore with two second-rounders to fortify the offensive line.
Time will tell on that front. But giving Howell a fair chance next season with better options across the board could be worth its weight in gold.