Commanders urged to tank for Caleb Williams
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders' fortunes rest squarely on the performance of Sam Howell in 2023. This is a quarterback-driven league and one only has to look at the constant stream of failed options in recent years to see how things will go if the former North Carolina star cannot meet expectations.
Any failings from Howell will likely result in widespread changes. Ron Rivera could be gone and any hopes the 2022 fifth-round pick has of becoming Washington's long-term option under center would evaporate.
Brent Sobleski from The Bleacher Report went one step further, naming the Commanders among those that should seriously consider tanking for quarterback prospect Caleb Williams if things don't start well next season.
"Late-round draft picks have emerged as franchise-caliber options, of course. But the odds are generally against those who aren't first-round selections because top picks tend to receiver more opportunities. Make no mistake, the Commanders aren't going to give Howell another year if he fails miserably this season. He fell into Day 3 of the '23 draft for multiple reasons. He needs to show consistency within a pro scheme. From there, he will have a chance. Until then, the Commanders are a rudderless organization that can be competitive yet clearly behind the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in their own division."Brent Sobleski, The Bleacher Report
The benefits of landing Williams - the projected No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft - are obvious. However, there is absolutely no chance Rivera is going to oversee a tank of sorts with his own job fortunes hanging by a thread.
Besides, the Commanders have far too much talent to finish with the NFL's worst record. Williams has all the tools needed to be an exceptional pro and he's a self-confessed Commanders fan, but the notion of tanking for long-term gain is a non-starter.