The Washington Commanders finished the 2023 season with a record of 4 wins and 13 losses, but the team’s biggest problem was a lack of consistent performance from their quarterback.
Second-year quarterback Sam Howell was named the starter for the 2023 season, appearing in all 17 games and finishing the season with just under 4,000 passing yards.
However, Howell’s body of work did not convince the organization that he was the long-term solution. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this month. The Commanders are one of the few quarterback-needy teams heading into next month’s NFL Draft.
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Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks during a press conference at the OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on February 5, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
The manager has the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft. Former University of Southern California star Caleb Williams is widely expected to be the first, but many are speculating that Washington will draft a top signal-caller next.
Dan Quinn, who is getting his second chance to be an NFL head coach, suggested that if anyone believed that the team’s decision-makers had decided on the picks, they were wrong.
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“If somebody thinks they know, they need me to explain it to them, because (general manager) Adam (Peters) and I haven’t gotten to that point yet,” Quinn told reporters this week via NFL Network. That’s because we haven’t.”
The Commanders signed veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to the roster, but he has primarily served as a backup in recent years.
FedEx Field before the game between the Washington Commanders and the Cleveland Browns on January 1, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Tetch/Getty Images)
Heisman Trophy winner Jaden Daniels, national champion JJ McCarthy and former North Carolina signal caller Drake Maye are also among the top quarterbacks in this year’s class.
“I know quarterbacks get a lot of attention, rightfully so,” Quinn added. “It’s a hot topic here and everywhere. But there’s a lot of players (to be evaluated) and… there’s a lot of picks in this year’s draft.”
Quinn recently hinted that the team is leaning toward quarterback.
“It would be fair to envision us getting a quarterback,” the coach told NFL Network. “As far as where that happens, I think that’s a better question for (general manager Adam Peters),” Quinn continued.
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
Quinn also believes Peters will field calls from other teams looking to move up in the draft.
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“Yes, I think it’s ringing. It’s because of the talent of this year’s group, like you said,” Quinn said.
“And I would expect him to take a call like this, and usually not necessarily later than sixth or seventh, but usually the guys who are in the top four or five, there’s somebody there. There are people who are targeting you.
“And I think it’s almost like, ‘Okay, I have to take the shot.’ A lot of times it’s a no, like, ‘Thanks for calling,’ but that’s part of the process, You need to listen carefully and double check. I couldn’t say no. ”
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