Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as we reach one of the most important months in the franchise's recent history?
Good morning, and a happy weekend to you all. We have finally reached July, which is a big month for the Washington Commanders with training camp beginning and the team's $6.05 billion sale to Josh Harris' ownership group set to receive formal approval.
This is an exciting time, that's for sure. Among the stories generating column inches recently include Dan Snyder not getting off the hook, quarterback Sam Howell seizing the initiative, Jason Wright's future with new ownership looming, and a free agent touted as someone Washington should acquire before the 2023 campaign.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders QB Sam Howell seizing the initiative
Sam Howell has adjusted well all things considered during his steep increase in responsibilities this offseason. The Washington Commanders are placing a significant amount of confidence in the quarterback finally providing the production needed under center, which could be the difference between success and failure in 2023.
The former fifth-round pick had some moments of struggle, which weren't unexpected. But overall, Howell is winning people over with his quiet confidence and according to wide receiver Terry McLaurin via Sports Illustrated, has seized the initiative in pursuit of maximizing what appears to be an outstanding opportunity in front of him.
"He's taken the bull by the horns, and he's really led us a lot this offseason."Terry McLaurin via Sports Illustrated
It was never going to be perfect. Howell is still a baby in NFL terms and is learning a new offensive scheme under Eric Bieniemy's guidance for good measure. Putting a lot on his plate was a sink-or-swim scenario for the North Carolina product, but he's shown growth so far heading into Washington's pivotal training camp.
Commanders urged to sign TE
Ron Rivera is seemingly happy with his current options heading into their all-important training camp. The Washington Commanders went about their business quietly this offseason, which is in keeping with the current ownership flux and the head coach's desire to reward those who've performed well under his leadership.
One could argue the Commanders have a stronger roster now than the one which concluded the 2022 campaign. Although much will depend on whether Sam Howell meets targets and other problem position groups make strides.
Washington does have a little extra financial flexibility after releasing Chase Roullier. And according to Brad Spielberger from Pro Football Focus, they should spend some of their newfound wealth on tight-end Maxx Williams.
"There are a few young tight ends behind Logan Thomas who the Commanders are optimistic about, notably 2021 fourth-round pick John Bates — a stout run blocker — but adding another depth piece in Maxx Williams couldn’t hurt now that he’s recovered from an unfortunate ACL tear sustained at the worst possible time in 2021. Through Week 5 of 2021, Williams was earning a 77.6 receiving grade with 16 receptions, as many receptions as he’d had in a full season since 2015. Perhaps more importantly, Williams’ 81.0 run-blocking grade since 2015 is the top mark in the NFL over the span."Brad Spielberger, Pro Football Focus
Williams is a decent performer provided his injury problems are a thing of the past. However, the Commanders have been impressed with Logan Thomas and Cole Turner throughout early offseason workouts, so adding another to the room despite Armani Rogers' injury seems unlikely.
Commanders president appears safe (for now)
This is an uncertain yet exciting time for those within the Washington Commanders. Josh Harris and his team of investors will likely assume control of the franchise on July 20 following a vote among other NFL owners, which signals the end of Dan Snyder's disastrous tenure spanning almost 25 years.
Many expect some big changes to occur in the weeks and months following the transaction. The Harris group will have their own methods and ideas about how to take the franchise forward, which only adds to the layer of fascination surrounding the Commanders in 2023.
However, it appears as if team president Jason Wright will escape the chop. At least initially.
A report from The Washington Post that was later confirmed by Ben Standig of The Athletic stated that Jason Wright wouldn't be removed once the sale gets the green light. Harris and his group will take time to assess each position before implementing anything drastic.
"Soon-to-be Commanders owner Josh Harris is not expected to make major staff changes soon after taking over the franchise, a source familiar with ownership’s thinking who was not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic on Friday. According to the source, team president Jason Wright and other top executives will play roles in the transition of ownership, as Harris is expected to take his time to evaluate current staff before considering changes, similar to his ownership tenures with the NBA’s 76ers and NHL’s Devils."Ben Standig, The Athletic
This is the right approach, but Wright must take this expected decision as an audition of sorts. Any complacency is unlikely to be well received, so the front office figure needs to prove beyond all doubt he can play a leading role in Washington's exciting new era.
Otherwise, Harris will find someone who can.
Action demanded on outgoing Commanders owner
Dan Snyder is going to make a healthy profit on the Washington Commanders after buying the franchise for $800 million. But if the disgraced outgoing owner thought he was going to ride off into the sunset with $6.05 billion and little pushback, he might be out of luck.
Although it's played second-fiddle to the sale itself in recent weeks, there are still investigations and revelations pending where Snyder is concerned. Perhaps the biggest of all centers on the Mary Jo White report highlighting the toxic workplace culture and sexual misconduct allegations.
Roger Goodell has previously indicated the full report will be released. Nothing appears imminent, but house representative Jamie Raskin has written to the NFL commissioner asking him to honor this promise via The Washington Post reporter Mark Maske and Twitter.
"In light of the impending sale of the Commanders franchise, I urge you to honor your commitment to release the report in its entirety and ‘take additional disciplinary action if warranted."Jamie Raskin via Twitter
Snyder was initially looking for some sort of clause that prevented any further repercussions before giving up his boyhood team. That didn't materialize, and now those affected by his complete mismanagement can hopefully get some sort of closure.
In truth, Goodell probably wants his Snyder problem to go away without these revelations coming to light. But that would be unfair to the brave individuals that stepped up and made everyone aware of what was transpiring behind the scenes.