4 Commanders UDFAs who could steal a roster spot in 2024
By Dean Jones
Sam Hartman - Commanders QB
The Washington Commanders are counting on quarterback Jayden Daniels to spearhead their exciting new era. After months of assessments and speculation, those in power had 100 percent conviction in the former LSU standout. He has the electrifying traits to completely galvanize the franchise if those around him also live up to their end of the bargain.
Daniels immediately surges to QB1 and will likely start right out of the gate. Marcus Mariota will back up the new face of the organization. Much will depend on how many quarterbacks the Commanders take through onto their 53-man roster, but a new candidate has entered the fold to provide extra competition.
After failing to hear his name called to the surprise of some, the Commanders moved swiftly to sign Sam Hartman in undrafted free agency. According to Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network, the signal-caller received a $20,000 signing bonus and $225,000 fully guaranteed. The insider believes this is a strong indicator that the former Notre Dame standout is part of their plans.
Hartman is a six-year college player with a ton of experience. His transfer from Wake Forest to Notre Dame in 2023 didn't have the desired effect, but the player demonstrated flashes of potential that could become more with a little extra polish.
The quarterback has enough arm strength to make every NFL-caliber throw with ease. Hartman's ball placement is an eye-catching element to his production that the Commanders believe warrants further investigation. However, his mechanics can cause complications, and going through progressions more effectively is also critical if the player wants to achieve a successful pro career.
Nobody is expecting Hartman to leapfrog Daniels or Mariota. But if the Commanders decide to take three signal-callers, he'll have a shot at beating out the likes of Jeff Driskel and Jake Fromm throughout the summer.
If not, then Hartman looks like a prime practice squad candidate for development purposes.
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