Commanders news: Adam Peters, Caleb Williams, Dan Quinn and the vision
By Dean Jones
Caleb Williams declares for the 2024 NFL Draft
The Washington Commanders are likely to examine all the top quarterback prospects emerging from the college ranks this year. Sam Howell had some nice moments despite regressing over the second half of 2023, but it wasn't enough to get another clear run at the starting job in 2024.
Washington holds the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. This means they'll have multiple options on the table. Perhaps the best signal-caller of all officially declared hours before the deadline on Monday.
Caleb Williams - who hails from D.C. and is a lifelong Washington fan - will be taking his chances at the next level following a Heisman Trophy-winning college career. Drafting the USC prospect to his hometown team would be a fairytale. Unfortunately, that is out of the Commanders' hands right now.
The Chicago Bears hold the cards. They have the No. 1 pick for a second-consecutive year after they traded down with the Carolina Panthers last time around. After resisting the temptation to select someone like Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, or C.J. Stroud in 2023, passing on Williams is a huge call.
Justin Fields demonstrated encouraging growth this season. He's also entering Year 4 and needs to be paid sooner rather than later. It's a difficult decision upcoming for the Bears. As for the Commanders? They need to prepare for every eventuality.