Commanders news: Sam Howell, Chase Young, Austin Ekeler and mock draft

Ron Rivera on Sam Howell trade

The Washington Commanders did right by Sam Howell, ensuring he got a backup role elsewhere by trading him to the Seattle Seahawks. This provided the franchise with an additional third-round selection to utilize as part of their draft haul. It also gives their 2023 starter a chance to start fresh and potentially become a No. 1 once again in the future.

Former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera - who freely admitted to piling way too much pressure on Howell last season - felt the trade was a win-win for both parties based on comments via USA Today Sports. He also still firmly believes that the North Carolina college product can become a successful NFL starter.

"Well, I think it was a smart move for both teams. Just because of the way the draft picks were traded. It gives the Commanders, I believe, six in the first two days, which is outstanding. And then you look at what Seattle gets; Seattle gets probably, who is gonna be a solid backup that has the ability to be a starter in this league. And I really like what they’ve done. Now you know, with Geno as their starter, gives them a guy, in case something happens, can come in and, I think, do a nice job running their offense for them."

- Ron Rivera via USA Today Sports

Rivera let Howell down. He was a lame-duck head coach fighting for his job. Eric Bieniemy wasn't much better, deploying a scheme that centered almost solely on the pass. This completely ignored the woeful offensive line in front of the former fifth-round pick.

A fresh start for all sides was the best possible solution. Looking at other quarterback trades around the league, the Commanders got tremendous value for a player taken on Day 3.