Commanders News: Chase Roullier, stadium site, Josh Harris and Drake Maye

Commanders trade up for Drake Maye in ESPN's 2024 mock

Sam Howell hasn't had the chance to take a competitive snap in 2023 yet, but speculation is already rife about what the Washington Commanders might do if the former fifth-round pick cannot make the most out of an outstanding opportunity.

The Commanders have placed a lot of faith in Howell this offseason. They signed veteran Jacoby Brissett as competition, but it would be a shock if the North Carolina product didn't get the first chance to shine under the expert guidance of Eric Bieniemy.

If it all goes wrong, Todd McShay of ESPN had the Commanders trading up for another Tar Heels' quarterback Drake Maye in his way-too-early 2024 NFL mock draft 1.0.

"(Drake) Maye is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and has a massive arm. Not only did he throw 38 touchdown passes last season, but he also ran for seven scores and almost 700 yards. Washington might be comfortable with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett at the moment, but the former is a fifth-round pick with one career start, and the latter is a 30-year-old veteran backup on a one-year deal. I understand the Commanders passing on quarterback down the board at No. 16 in 2023, but if they have a chance to get someone like Maye next April, it could change things for the franchise. "

- Todd McShay, ESPN

Maye showed enough last season to suggest a productive NFL career could be in the offing. There's a lot of football to be played between now and then, but it cannot be ruled out entirely with a new ownership group coming into the fold.