Washington Commanders Embark on Recalibrate’ Phase with New Leadership and Draft Possibilities..
The Washington Commanders are undergoing significant transformations this offseason, entering their first full offseason under owner Josh Harris. After parting ways with head coach Ron Rivera, the team hired Dan Quinn as his replacement, and Adam Peters stepped in as the new general manager. Additionally, Kliff Kingsbury joined as the offensive coordinator following a challenging 4-13 season in 2023.
Coach Quinn is emphasizing this phase as a “recalibration” rather than a “rebuild,” making it clear that the term ‘rebuild’ won’t be part of their vocabulary.
One crucial aspect of this recalibration involves addressing the quarterback situation, a decision that may unfold during the upcoming NFL Draft. With five picks in the first three rounds, including the No. 2 overall pick, and a league-leading salary cap space estimated at $73.6 million, the Commanders have ample resources to make impactful moves.
Last season, quarterback Sam Howell, a fifth-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, started all 17 games but struggled with a 63.4 completion percentage, 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions—an NFL worst. Given the team’s new coaching and management setup and a high draft pick, there’s a strong possibility of a fresh start with a new quarterback.
Reports suggest that several teams are interested in Howell, offering potential draft picks in exchange for the 23-year-old quarterback. Despite a challenging season, Howell’s value could translate into valuable assets for the Commanders.
Complicating matters, Washington may lose quarterback Jacoby Brissett in free agency. Kingsbury reportedly favors USC’s Caleb Williams, although there’s uncertainty about his availability at the No. 2 pick. Other top options for the draft include Drake Maye from North Carolina and Jayden Daniels from LSU as the Commanders weigh their quarterback options heading into April.
