Commanders News: Eric Bieniemy, Sam Howell, Malik Willis and game day arrives

Commanders linked with Malik Willis

The Washington Commanders are placing a significant amount of faith in Sam Howell next season. New ownership will be scrutinizing every move closely and if yet another choice from Ron Rivera at football's most crucial position goes wrong, big changes in positions of power will follow.

Of course, this would also spell the end of Howell's time as the No. 1 option. No contingency plan is in place right now, but Kristopher Knox of The Bleacher Report recently suggested the Commanders should keep tabs on Malik Willis following the Tennessee Titans' decision to draft Will Levis in the second round.

"[Malik] Willis was the second-ranked quarterback on the B/R Scouting Department's big board, and that was based on his ceiling, not his floor. If the Titans aren't willing to see what Willis can become, another team should be. The Washington Commanders, who don't yet know what they have in Sam Howell, could target Willis as a second developmental option. Willis would also be a great project to nurture behind Philadelphia Eagles starter Jalen Hurts since his skill set would mesh with what Philadelphia likes to do offensively."

- Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report

Willis has reportedly been outplaying Levis during camp. Much will depend on what happens during the preseason, but improved consistency from the Liberty product would have teams looking at the former third-rounder a little differently.

Whether that would be enough for the Commanders to make their play is unlikely. Howell is Rivera's guy for good or bad, so deviating from the plan at this juncture is asking for trouble.