What are the Washington Commanders doing at quarterback? That’s the question that many outsiders are asking. The Commanders have been intent on starting last year’s fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell and relying on veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett as a backup.
Essentially, Washington is punting on a long-term commitment at quarterback this year. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Commanders may have a grander plan that targets Washington, DC native and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, USC star Caleb Williams, who will be eligible for the NFL Draft in 2024.
“I, and most teams, would be very surprised if the Commanders took a quarterback to the point where some have speculated the team could move [draft] capital into 2024 to ready for a run then at D.C.-area native [Caleb] Williams. You probably have to be the worst team in the league to get him because whoever that team is probably won’t trade his rights away.”
It’s just speculation. However, Breer is a well-respected reporter. He wouldn’t drop a nugget if he didn’t hear chatter from reliable NFL sources.
Still, there are many holes in the suggested plan. First, Ron Rivera will enter his fourth season as the Washington Commanders’ head coach. With three underwhelming seasons under his belt, another year of disappointment would put him on the hot seat in any normal NFL situation. Add in that the Commanders expect to have a new owner this time next year odds are Rivera may not be the head coach without a deep postseason run.
The second biggest obstacle is Williams expects to be the first quarterback taken in the 2024 draft. As Breer suggested, the worst team in the NFL is likely to land Williams. While quarterback is the biggest question, the rest of the Commanders’ roster is steady. A last-place finish in the now-strong NFC East may not equate to a top-five pick, let alone the No. 1 overall pick.
If the Commanders stockpile draft picks, whoever picks at the top next year will likely not be willing to part with the first or second overall pick.
Yet, Caleb Williams in Washington would be a sight to see. Williams grew up in Washington and attended Gonzaga College High School in D.C. before committing to Oklahoma and later following Lincoln Riley to USC last year.
Meanwhile, Rivera’s struggles at quarterback are laminated by the league’s thoughts on the Commanders’ rumored strategy. Since becoming the head coach in 2020, Rivera and his staff have played musical chairs with eight starting quarterbacks.
Failure to address the position with a suitable long-term option could be the demise of Rivera as Washington’s head coach. Prioritizing building a roster through its defensive line over quarterback may put the Commanders out of position to land the most-coveted prize in a loaded quarterback draft class. Even a consolation prize of North Carolina’s Drake Maye may be unattainable.
Washington’s best option may be that the team hits lightning in a bottle with Sam Howell.
