The Washington Commanders had a disappointing 2023 season with a 4-13 record, and their primary issue was inconsistent quarterback play. Sam Howell, in his second year as a starter, finished the season with nearly 4,000 passing yards but did not impress the organization enough to be seen as a long-term solution. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. With the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Commanders are in need of a new quarterback. While USC’s Caleb Williams is projected to be the top pick, the team has not made a final decision on their selection.
Dan Quinn, the team’s head coach, emphasized that the Commanders have yet to determine their draft pick and are still evaluating their options. Marcus Mariota has been added as a veteran backup, but the team is looking to acquire a starting quarterback from the draft. Other top quarterback prospects include Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, national champion J.J. McCarthy, and Drake Maye. Quinn hinted that the team is likely to select a quarterback in the draft, but the final decision lies with general manager Adam Peters, who may entertain offers from other teams looking to move up in the draft.
Quinn acknowledged the importance of the quarterback position and the attention it receives, but emphasized that there are many other talented players and picks to consider in the draft. He suggested that Peters may receive calls from teams interested in trading up due to the talent available this year. While Quinn alluded to the possibility of selecting a quarterback with their pick, he also mentioned the potential for unexpected offers that could influence the decision-making process. The Commanders are prepared to listen to offers but will ultimately make the choice that aligns best with their long-term goals and needs as a team.
As the team looks to address their quarterback issues and improve their roster for the future, owner Josh Harris has promised changes after a failing grade in a recent NFLPA survey. The Commanders are focused on making strategic and impactful decisions in the upcoming draft to address their needs and strengthen the team overall. With a high draft pick and a talented pool of prospects to choose from, the Commanders have the opportunity to bring in a potential franchise quarterback to lead the team moving forward. The team’s leadership is dedicated to making the best decision for the Commanders’ future success and is open to exploring all options to achieve that goal.
