5 first-year Commanders players who might not return in 2024
By Dean Jones
Jacoby Brissett - Commanders QB
Sam Howell's late-season struggles saw Jacoby Brissett get some game time. The veteran backup is a proven performer at the highest level. The cameos were brief, but there was enough to suggest another opportunity could arrive somewhere else in free agency.
The Washington Commanders were going to move forward with Brissett as their starter for the final two games before a hamstring injury enabled Howell to see out the season. This offense was going nowhere fast regardless of who was under center. Weirdly, the complication probably helped rather than hindered the quarterback's chances of potentially competing for a starting job in a different environment.
Brissett did an incredible job guiding Howell through his first - and potentially only - season as the Commanders' starting quarterback. His experience and helpful advice were vital. It didn't have the result many anticipated, but this won't go unnoticed by those around the league.
The Commanders are likely going to take a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. What this means for Howell's future is unclear. But it's unlikely Brissett wants to stick around to help another inexperienced signal-caller through their transition.
There needs to be a level of selfishness regarding his next decision. Brissett is approaching the tail-end of his career. He needs to put himself first and find the best chance of winning a starting job in 2024.