Which quarterbacks could emerge as potential starters for the Washington Commanders heading into an offseason of significant change?
It looked for a long time as if Sam Howell might be the long-term answer at quarterback. Ron Rivera boldly claimed as much midway through the campaign. What's occurred since almost guarantees the new Washington Commanders regime will seek alternative options.
Howell's regression came at the worst time. Rivera embroiled himself in more quarterback mismanagement before their game against the San Francisco 49ers as a result. Something that caused further confusion and became a microcosm of the way he's handled football's most important position throughout his four-year reign.
What comes next is critical. The Commanders will have a new coaching staff and front office infrastructure in place. Their primary objective above all else will be finding a signal-caller capable of leading this franchise back to prominence.
With this in mind, here are six potential options to become the Commanders' starting quarterback in 2024.
Commanders could draft Jayden Daniels
One option the Washington Commanders have is finding a gifted college prospect via the 2024 NFL Draft. They are blessed with plenty of high-end capital after trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat before the deadline. Their first-rounder is likely going to be a top-three selection when it's all said and done.
Much will depend on what happens beforehand, but Jayden Daniels is someone who could come into consideration. The LSU standout enjoyed a phenomenal final season with the Tigers, winning the Heisman Trophy and seeing his stock soar heading into the all-important evaluation process.
This comes with some risk attached. Daniels isn't the finished product by any stretch. If the Commanders go down this route, it might be worth acquiring a veteran in free agency to allow the dual-threat weapon time to develop.
Commanders could draft Drake Maye
Drafting and developing a quarterback comes with obvious benefits. It's a cheap contract to build around for sustainable success long term. It allows relationships to develop gradually, especially given the rebuilding awaiting a team like the Washington Commanders heading into the offseason.
As previously stated, the Commanders are in a good spot to get a top-level quarterback prospect from the college ranks in 2024. The consensus top-two choices seem to be head and shoulders above the rest. Whether those in power can get one of them into the building is another matter.
Drake Maye has everything one looks for in a modern-day quarterback. The North Carolina sensation can make accurate throws at all three levels of the field. He boasts the mobility needed to escape pressure in the pocket. He also makes use of this by gaining yards on the ground when the situation dictates.
Maye is in contention to be the first player taken depending on what the Chicago Bears decide to do with the No. 1 pick. If the Commanders are convinced, then a small surge up the draft order should be contemplated given how rich they are in assets currently.
The Commanders could do far worse than look in Maye's direction. Washington now has the No. 2 pick after Week 17. So this prospect is becoming more realistic with every passing defeat.
Commanders could re-sign Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins left the now-Washington Commanders under a cloud. After getting two straight franchise tags, previous owner Dan Snyder decided to let the veteran quarterback walk for nothing in free agency. Looking back, this is where their complications at the position began.
Cousins signed a lucrative deal with the Minnesota Vikings. He's emerged as one of the league's most consistent and durable passers. Unfortunately for the veteran, his 2023 campaign was cut short with a torn Achilles that places his immediate future in doubt.
The former fourth-round selection out of Michigan State is out of contract in 2024. While there seems to be a mutual interest in another deal, nothing could be said with any guarantee despite their quarterback carousel without Cousins' dependability leading the charge.
If for some reason Cousins and the Vikings went their separate ways, could the signal-caller make an emotional return to a place he once called home? Any bad blood likely left the player once Snyder relinquished ownership. Whether it's something the new regime will legitimately consider is the big question.
The short-term benefits would be obvious. He'd be the best quarterback Washington's had since the day he departed in the first place. The Commanders have enough cap space to pull this off should they wish.
There is the not-so-small matter of Cousins' injury to consider in this equation. Achilles complications are notoriously difficult to overcome. That bears more significance given the player's age.
Commanders could trade for Kyler Murray
It's no secret that Josh Harris' ownership group is looking to make huge splashes this offseason. They paid a lot of money to wrestle the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder. They will leave no stone unturned in their quest to get this storied franchise back to the NFL's top table.
While the draft and free agency are the typical routes for NFL teams looking for quarterback help, trading for a prominent veteran might be an option if the right opportunity presents itself. The likes of Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers have been traded in recent years. More big names could be on the move this offseason.
This all comes back to the draft. The Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals could hold the top two picks. They also have two established figures under center right now - Justin Fields and Kyler Murray.
If one - or both - opts to start fresh with an incoming college recruit, then it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the aforementioned veterans will be made available. Murray's arguably shown more throughout his career. Seeing what it might take to land the former No. 1 overall selection could have its benefits.
Murray is an electrifying quarterback. He seems to have made a successful return following a serious knee injury. It's not been easy for the signal-caller this season, but it's far too soon to be writing him off.
Much will depend on the compensation. Murray is also on a lengthy, lucrative contract until 2029. If this is the plan of attack, it must be done with a long-term strategy in place.
Commanders could draft Caleb Williams
This would be a fairytale.
Caleb Williams is from the D.C. area and is a Washington fan. He's also on track to become the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Williams has traits that cannot be taught. He's got that magic to make something out of nothing. His arm positions on some throws are nothing short of extraordinary. He's a Heisman Trophy winner and a big play waiting to happen at any given moment.
This season didn't go as planned for Williams. The signal-caller had some nice moments, but USC just wasn't at the races overall. The bar was also exceptionally high after a phenomenal 2022 campaign.
One suspects if the Washington Commanders want to bring Williams home to become their franchise presence under center, they'll need to go bold. This would involve a daring trade to No. 1 overall at what could be a significant cost involving current and future assets.
For many fans, this would be a dream come true. Others remain skeptical thanks to the player's performance levels for the Trojans in recent months.
Again, this is all about conviction and having a plan that can enable Williams to thrive. Something that comes with hiring the right football guys and giving them the freedom to make smart choices.
Commanders could sign Russell Wilson
The situation between Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos has reached its breaking point. Sean Payton benched the player despite still being in playoff contention. This stems from the massive contract allocated to the veteran signal-caller after his bombshell trade from the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilson's been playing pretty well this season despite the friction with his new head coach. Many insiders are anticipating the Super Bowl winner to be released from his megabucks deal this offseason. He's an acquired taste by all accounts, but the Washington Commanders might discuss the possibility of bringing him on board.
The Commanders had an interest in trading for Wilson before it became known which franchises he'd prefer going to. There is more excitement around the organization these days. Whether that would alter his perception if Washington came calling again remains to be seen.
The former third-round selection has been criticized for his suspect leadership ability and selfish demands. That's the last thing Washington needs. Some assurances would be needed before taking the plunge with Wilson.
One thing stands out above all else where the Commanders' quarterback search is concerned; the possibilities are endless. Acquiring someone like Wilson is just one of many options. This is also unlikely to prevent them from drafting a quarterback either this year or next.
Buckle up, it's going to be a rollercoaster journey.