Word got around that the Washington Commanders were informing candidates for their offensive coordinator opening to prepare for Sam Howell as the starting quarterback. On Wednesday, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Howell has the inside track to be Washington’s QB1.
Rivera did his media rounds, and Howell being Commanders’ starting quarterback for the 2023 season, was a hot topic.
“I know this: We will go into OTs, minicamp, and training camp with Sam Howell more than likely QB1, and we’ll see what happens,” Rivera said on NFL Network. “I mean it’s his opportunity. This is a challenge to him. If he comes out and does the things that he’s capable of, we believe he’s capable of, he can most certainly be our guy. But we’ll find out. Again that’s what competition’s gonna do. It’s gonna bring the best out in all our guys.”
The Commanders drafted Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He did not play in a game until Washington’s season finale, starting against the Dallas Cowboys in what proved to be a win. Now, Howell expects to be the signal-caller for the Commanders next season above the competition.
The word “competition” is key. Rivera isn’t handing over the keys to Howell. He will have to earn it. But who will Howell earn it against?
Washington expects to part ways with Carson Wentz, who the team acquired last offseason in a trade. With the failed Wentz project, the Commanders won’t be in the market for a veteran quarterback like Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers. Rivera ruled out that possibility.
“No, No,” Rivera told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “I think the biggest thing is we have to find a guy to come in that’s going to compete. But in terms of finding a guy you’re going to have to spend a lot of capital on, no. We’re not looking for a guy we’ve got to spend a lot of capital on. We’re looking for a guy that’s going to come in and compete first and foremost.”
Could that veteran that’s willing to compete Taylor Heinicke? Heinicke has been with the team since 2020, starting 24 games in the past two seasons. Heinicke is also a free agent this offseason. Would he consider returning to Washington to compete with Howell, or is the former XFL backup ready to move on?
Rivera is entering his fourth year as the Commanders head coach. The first three seasons have been unimpressive. With a potential ownership change, Rivera sits on the hot seat. It appears Rivera will hinge his future in Washington on the arm of Sam Howell.
