Caleb Williams will almost certainly be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft once the USC star officially declares. The 2022 Heisman winner is sitting out USC’s bowl game, a clear indication that he will end up declaring for the event next April.
If so, one NFC bottom feeder is already showing a ton of early interest.
“The Commanders, with a break here or there over the next couple of weeks, could find themselves in position to either draft Williams or trade up a spot or two to get him.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Washington Commanders’ interest in Caleb Williams
Washington has benched sophomore quarterback Sam Howell in each of the past two games with the former fifth-round pick struggling big time. He leads the NFL with 17 interceptions on the season heading into Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers.
As a team, Washington finds itself at 4-11 on the season. It has lost 11 of 13 since starting the season 2-0. The Commanders currently hold the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, behind the Chicago Bears (via Carolina) and Arizona Cardinals.
Related: Caleb Williams subtly suggests he doesn’t want Chicago Bears to select him in 2024 NFL Draft
Washington Commanders’ interest in Caleb Williams dependent on a couple things
At this point, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Commanders will fire head coach Ron Rivera. General manager Martin Mayhew may also be given his walking papers from newish owner Josh Harris.
Why is this relevant? Reported interest in Williams could be coming from Harris himself. The owner has noted multiple times that he wants to change the culture after buying the Commanders from the disgraced Daniel Snyder. Adding a potential franchise quarterback to the mix would be the start of that.
There are also rumors circulating that the Commanders could trade for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Perhaps, a packaged deal could be in the cards.
Meanwhile, another report indicates that NFL teams are interested in USC head coach Lincoln Riley. That would be one way to entice Williams.