Which Washington Commanders news stories are making the headlines as further talks were held to discuss the pending sale by Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion?
As the Washington Commanders gear up for their first official day of collective OTAs on Tuesday, attention was also on the latest batch of NFL owners' meetings. Votes were cast about rule changes and the controversial Thursday Night Football flex, but the pending sale agreement between Dan Snyder and the ownership group led by Josh Harris was also a prominent topic of discussion.
Among the stories causing waves recently include Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on Harris' credentials, Sam Howell receiving praise ahead of OTAs, Ron Rivera's last chance, and Jerry Jones taking one final swipe at Snyder.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Jerry Jones takes one last shot at outgoing Commanders owner
As the NFL gets set to bid a not-so-fond farewell to Dan Snyder after his cataclysmic spell as Washington Commanders owner, Jerry Jones couldn't resist one final swipe. This related specifically to his previous comments about knowing what would be revealed in the Mary Jo White report relating to a toxic workplace environment.
The billionaire doubled down when probed about the findings at the NFL's spring owners' meetings. And in just a few short words, Jones made his feelings about the way Snyder ran things in Washington well-known via Darren M. Hayes of WUSA 9.
"I do know how the club was operated, period."Jerry Jones via Darren M. Hayes
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attempts to clarify his previous comments that he knew what's in the MJW investigation report about Commanders owner Dan Snyder.
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) May 22, 2023
"I do know how the club was operated, period."
More: https://t.co/k5uTmnB7LM@wusa9 #HTTC pic.twitter.com/X5ONRLYOcv
Jones isn't alone in knowing how the Commanders were operating when Snyder held absolute power. Thankfully, this will become a thing of the past shortly, but whether the report becomes public knowledge is the bigger question right now.
Jim Irsay on Commanders sale timeline
Anyone hoping for a quick resolution to the sale agreement after an exclusive contract was signed by Dan Snyder and Josh Harris will be out of luck. There are many complexities to his particular arrangement, which stem from the number of investors within the ownership group and the ongoing allegations/investigations centered on the outgoing figurehead.
While it would be surprising if Harris' group weren't given the green light at some stage, it could take several more weeks to quash any doubts. Especially if Jim Irsay's comments via John Keim of ESPN are any indication.
"There are certain criteria that has to be met. That's just the way it is. It's not there yet. It doesn't mean it can't get there. It's complicated. Everyone knew the rules up front, what the league rules are. Everyone is trying eagerly with the same amount of effort. The Harris group knows we have to stay within the guidelines. We're hopeful that we can get it done. But … it's going to take probably several more weeks of discussions before we see if we can reach the goal line there. We're hopeful; we want to keep working in that direction. "Jim Irsay via ESPN
NFL owners are in a precarious position here. On one hand, they have a real sense of urgency to rid themselves of Snyder but must also do their due diligence to ensure everything checks out where the Harris group is concerned.
Irsay added that the owners were hoping to cement the transaction before Week 1 rolls around. That might be a little later than most of the fanbase hoped for, but as long as there is a successful resolution that signals the dawning of a new era, it won't matter.
Ron Rivera's last chance with Commanders
Whether Ron Rivera's roster-building methods will bear fruit during a critical season for the head coach in 2023 remains to be seen. But considering how high the stakes are about to get once a new ownership group comes into the fold, his job depends on it.
One thing Rivera's preached above all else this offseason is avoiding desperation. The pressure might be increasing exponentially, but the experienced figure is not going to deviate from his original plans to bring the Washington Commanders back to prominence.
This all centers on whether quarterback Sam Howell can excel in a prominent starting role. When discussing the matter in a feature examining offseason questions recently, Marc Sessler from Around the NFL stated what many already know - this is Rivera's final chance to solve the Commanders' complex riddle under center.
"The Commanders are crossing their fingers at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is a fine backup who showed starting traits a year ago. He's hardly a sure thing, though, which is also true of second-year arm Sam Howell. Washington brass appears unmoved, ignoring the position in the draft and telling us on repeat that Howell is their guy. This could be Ron Rivera's final chance to get it right under center. He might as well pick his own dance partner."Marc Sessler via NFL.com
Hopes are high that Howell can provide a level of assurance that was sorely lacking at times last season. If he cannot meet these expectations, Rivera will be looking for alternative employment.
Simple as that, really.
Commanders praise Sam Howell ahead of OTAs
Sam Howell has the weight of the world on his shoulders heading into the 2023 season. The Washington Commanders have placed a substantial amount of faith in the quarterback becoming productive with additional responsibilities, but there's just no telling for sure after such a small sample size as a rookie.
Those in power seem confident and Howell has the support of his teammates. The Commanders secured an insurance policy in the form of veteran free-agent Jacoby Brissett, but the former fifth-round selection will get the first crack at stabilizing matters under center next season.
Ahead of OTAs beginning today, Howell received praise from offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy via the team's website, who's been impressed by the player's self-analysis in pursuit of further improvements.
"Sam's done a heck of a job. Sam's very professional. He's very critical of himself."Eric Bieniemy via Commanders.com
This was a sentiment echoed by head coach Ron Rivera, who added there was a level of confidence in Howell's ability to correct mistakes that can stand him and the Commanders in tremendous stead when the regular season arrives.
"A couple of times some things happened in practice, and you would see him fix it himself. That was always something that you look for. There is something that is not right, a quarterback will fix it. He was doing things like that probably mid to end of the season, so we felt really comfortable about it."Ron Rivera via Commanders.com
Business is about to pick up for Howell and the pressure is on. But considering how most wrote him off during the pre-draft process, it's an opportunity he's sure to give his absolute all.