NFC East quarterback rankings: Where do the Commanders sit after roster cuts?
By Glen Rorie
Where does the Washington Commanders quarterback room rank among their NFC East rivals in 2023 after final cuts were made around the league?
The importance of quality quarterback depth has become very rampant throughout the national media since the San Francisco 49ers’ matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 NFC Championship game. Kyle Shanahan had disastrous luck in that game, but this has been the case for the Washington Commanders for what seems like generations.
The last Washington quarterback to play a full season for the team was Kirk Cousins in 2017. During the previous campaign alone, three signal-callers played - Carson Wentz, Taylor Heincke, and Sam Howell - so the next-man-up mentality is crucial.
With the recent acquisition of Trey Lance by the Dallas Cowboys, it is time to re-evaluate and see where the Commanders' quarterback room ranks among NFC East rivals after final roster cuts.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are obviously led by Jalen Hurts - arguably a top-five quarterback in the league. He is followed by Marcus Mariota and Tanner McKee on the depth chart in 2023.
Hurts as a starter alone elevates the Eagles to the first spot in this division regarding quarterback rooms. Behind the NFL MVP candidate is where things become murky.
Mariota did not have a great season as the starter for the Atlanta Falcons last year. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 threw for 2,219 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 438 yards and four scores on the ground.
His days as a viable starter are mostly done. But when Mariota was with the Las Vegas Raiders, he served as a great backup to Derek Carr.
Mariota has a chance to excel in the short spurts of playing time. If needed, of course, which the Eagles are hoping isn't the case given their reliance on Hurts to produce the goods.
McKee had a fairly average preseason as a rookie this year and the jury is still out on him. However, he will serve as QB3 making his position in this conversation redundant.