Sam Howell appears to be a part of a “recalibrating” period for the Washington Commanders. He could be heading toward a departure from the franchise that drafted him in 2022.
Commanders Likely Seeking New QB, Insider Says
Per NFC East Fox Sports insider Ralph Vacchiano, multiple NFL sources believe teams will express interest in trading for the Commanders’ starting quarterback from a season ago.
His potential exit comes in the wake of head coach Dan Quinn referring to the Commanders’ model as a “recalibrating” one.
“I would say this is a ‘recalibrate’ — you know, finding our north again. So no, you will not hear me say the word ‘rebuild’ at all,” Quinn told reporters in his introductory press conference.
Vacchiano believes that Howell would’ve stayed longer if changes along the coaching staff had not been made.
“If it weren’t for the regime change, Howell might have a bright future with the franchise. But with a new brain trust taking over and holding the No. 2 overall pick in a quarterback-rich draft, it’s hard to believe they won’t start over with their own elite prospect. The only question is which one they’ll take,” Vacchiano wrote.
As anticipated, names like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye were mentioned as the top priorities at No. 2 overall. But of the three, there’s the strong belief Williams only falls to the second pick if Quinn and the Washington front office trade up to No. 1 to nab a different QB.
“And if the Bears are amenable to that, they’d reportedly set an enormous asking price,” Vacchiano said.
Sam Howell Linked as Backup Possibility for Aaron Rodgers
Vacchiano isn’t ruling out one scenario that involves Howell joining Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
“A team like the New York Jets, who know they’ll need a quarterback of the future when their experiment with 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers ends, would be wise to make a call,” he writes.
What the Jets would be willing to give up to get Howell is a major question. It’ll likely come at the expense of surrendering draft capital to acquire the Commanders’ former QB1.
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In all likelihood, the Jets wouldn’t risk trading their No. 10 selection to Washington in exchange for Howell, even after seeing him throw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns. But with a league-leading 21 picks, Howell likely wouldn’t command a top-10 selection as part of a trade. But he could be worth a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick package.
“They could potentially get a third-round pick for him — maybe more — if they decide they’re willing to deal him sometime around the draft,” Vacchiano says.
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