A new report suggests the Washington Commanders could soon ship out starting quarterback Sam Howell, and that there a quite a few teams that would be interested in the former fifth-round pick’s services if he hits the trade block.
While he was far from perfect, over the first nine weeks of the 2023-24 NFL season there was growing hope that the Commanders may have found a legitimate steal in Sam Howell. After showing signs of his potential late in his rookie season he impressed last season by keeping them in games against the Eagles and throwing around 300 yards or more five times, and 14 touchdowns.
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Unfortunately, he nosed dive in the second half as more tape on him got to opposing defenses and he was eventually benched late in the season. Now it seems he could soon be on the trade block. This week, FOX Sports NFL insider Ralph Vacchiano reported that the Commanders are guaranteed to have a new starting QB in 2024.
Furthermore, he claimed “Multiple NFL sources believe several teams would be interested in trading for the 23-year-old who threw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns in 17 starts last season,” and that the cost might be a third-round pick.
If the Washington Commanders do move Sam Howell before this year’s NFL Draft, here are five teams that could target him.
5 teams that could pursue a Sam Howell trade
New York Jets
Yes, Aaron Rodgers will be the Jets starting QB next season but we learned quickly last year that him staying healthy at his age is no guarantee. As well as the fact that having a good backup is vital in today’s NFL. That is why Howell would be a good fit and maybe he can be groomed into the heir apparent role the organization envisioned for Zach Wilson last season before he wore out his welcome.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Things got messy late in the year with Steelers QB Kenny Pickett. Due to injuries, he lost his starting job late in the season and there are big questions about if he is the long-term answer in Pittsburgh. If Mike Tomlin wants to give the young signal-caller one more chance but also have an insurance policy, a QB competition in camp between the two 2022 draft picks could be very entertaining.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are expected to cut veteran QB Russell Wilson and possibly take a QB prospect with the twelfth pick overall. If they did reach a bit for Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix that high in April, having Howell be the starter early would be smart. And you never know, maybe under Sean Payton’s guidance Sam Howell cuts down on his turnovers and becomes a very effective starter.
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Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith seemed to regress a little bit in 2023-24 from his Comeback Player of the Year performance the year before. There is no guarantee he won’t do that again and a new head coach may have a shorter hook. If they wanted to be prepared for that eventuality, the Seahawks bringing in Howell to be a safety valve next season makes a whole lot of sense.
New England Patriots
The expectation is that the Patriots will use their top pick to take a young quarterback or use their boatload of cash to sign one. However, there is also a belief with some around the team that they could hold on to Mac Jones and try to build a better offense around him. If they choose to go that route, having a better backup option like Howell is needed if Jones falters again in 2024.