Commanders news: Drake Maye, Eric Bieniemy, Tyron Smith and stadium change
By Dean Jones
Commanders high on Drake Maye
The quarterback position is football's most critical. It's where games are won and lost. There are 52 other players on an NFL roster, but none are more important. Above all else, finding a long-term solution is the Washington Commanders' biggest priority this offseason.
Washington is in a good position to find an upgrade over Sam Howell. They are rich in financial assets if they choose to spend big on a free agent. They also boast the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, which could be used on one of the gifted signal-callers emerging from the college ranks.
Many are high on Jayden Daniels following his sensational final season at LSU. Despite this, Jeff Howe from The Athletic believes Drake Maye remains the favorite to hear his name called second if Caleb Williams goes to the Chicago Bears as expected.
"[Drake] Maye boasts a prototypical frame and a massive arm to match. Maye has drawn constant comparisons to Justin Herbert, and evaluators can’t wait to see him throw at his pro day. Maye was inconsistent last season against a less-than-stellar ACC slate, and that’s caused concern. Still, his size, arm talent, character and leadership are enough to keep him as the second-ranked QB. It’s not the consensus opinion, however, as there are some evaluators who prefer Jayden Daniels at No. 2. There’s belief by rival team executives the Washington Commanders are high on Maye and that he should remain the favorite as the second pick."
- Jeff Howe, The Athletic
The Commanders have plenty of options, including a potential trade-down for additional assets. That said, if general manager Adam Peters doesn't plan to pick this high again, taking a quarterback such as Maye or Daniels is the smart route to go down.