Commanders’ Ron Rivera Asked About Potential Lamar Jackson Pursuit

Commanders coach Ron Rivera addressed his team’s quarterback situation heading into the NFL draft, including whether or not the team is interested in adding Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Jackson, who requested a trade in early March, received the non-exclusive franchise tag from Baltimore ahead of free agency, which would net the Ravens two first-round picks if he were to sign with another team. The Ravens also have the right to match any offers made to Jackson.

Rivera told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that he believes new starting quarterback Sam Howell has many of the same qualities as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. When asked whether Washington was interested in Jackson, Rivera said that the Commanders never looked into it, but called the Ravens quarterback “a tremendous talent.”

Washington will now enter the season with Howell as the projected starter and veteran Jacoby Brissett as his primary backup. The Commanders feel that they’re in a better position now than a year ago, when quarterback Carson Wentz did not pan out at the position and Taylor Heinicke was forced to play significant snaps. 

Heinicke left for the Falcons in free agency, where he will backup new starter Desmond Ridder.