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NFL Rumors: Commanders' Sam Howell Would Draw Trade Interest from 'Several Teams'

zach bacharContributor IFebruary 25, 2024

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 07: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders looks on against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of the game at FedExField on January 7, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Washington Commanders would receive trade interest from "several teams" regarding quarterback Sam Howell if the team decides to make him available, according to Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports.

The Commanders could choose to select a quarterback at the top of the 2024 NFL draft and make Howell expendable, as the team currently owns the No. 2 overall pick.

Washington could "potentially get a third-round pick for him" and maybe more if the front office starts fielding offers "sometime around the draft," per Vacchiano.

The former fifth-round pick earned the first-string quarterback job ahead of the 2023 season, although his first year as a starter contained several peaks and valleys. He threw for 3,946 yards in 17 appearances, completing 63.4 percent of his passes while racking up 21 touchdowns.

The Commanders may have leaned on their passing attack a bit too heavily, though. Howell's 21 interceptions represented the highest mark in the NFL, while his 612 pass attempts were the most of any starter. Partially due to his high volume of attempts, the 23-year-old was sacked a league-leading 65 times.

While it may be early to give up on Howell, Washington's regime change could result in a new face under center. The Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera at the end of the 2023 season, replacing him with former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Washington also brought in Andrew Peters to serve as the team's new general manager after he previously operated as the assistant general manager for the San Francisco 49ers.

Peters could use the high draft choice to select a quarterback such as North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye. Maye could be available at No. 2, although Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department has the former Tar Heel ranked as the No. 1 quarterback on the latest big board.

If the Commanders are targeting a quarterback such as Maye, it would be wise for the team to explore trade options regarding Howell.