Commanders news: Rick Spielman, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn and QB inevitability

Commanders QB inevitability

There is a lot on Adam Peters' plate during his first offseason as Washington Commanders general manager. Solving the team's complex riddle at the quarterback position is among his more pressing priorities.

Sam Howell performed well in difficult circumstances over the first half of 2023. Things took a downward turn over the second half. With a new regime coming into the fold with no emotional attachment to any player, the chances of a fresh start under center are high when one factors everything into the equation.

This was a sentiment echoed by Nick Shook from NFL.com. He expects the Commanders to find a potential franchise quarterback this offseason. And he expects them to do it with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"A new regime might not see the same potential in [Sam] Howell as [Ron] Rivera did, and with the second overall pick in their possession, Washington is in a prime position to select a new savior under center from what has the makings of an enticing QB class, with USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye having declared their intentions to enter the draft. To some, it'd be awkward seeing Washington replace one UNC quarterback (Howell) with another, but that's just the way things go sometimes. It's a cold, results-driven world, and it sure feels like a new signal-caller is destined for Washington."

- Nick Shook, NFL.com

There is a long way to go and a lot of evaluations to make before important decisions become finalized. Howell's future doesn't look particularly promising right now. But much will also depend on Peters' assessments in the days, weeks, and months ahead.