Sam Howell Free Agency 'Loser' After Commanders Sign Jacoby Brissett?
The first official day of the NFL's new league year was jam-packed with movement. The Washington Commanders were among the teams to make impactful moves, signing Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
The move comes after the Commanders cut Carson Wentz in late February and Taylor Heinicke signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week. The question remains, will the veteran Brissett be a mentor or competition for current No.1 quarterback Sam Howell?
Howell's job security is a "loser" among Wednesday's moves, according to NFL.com.
"It always was a little odd to assume Howell, a fifth-round pick from a year ago, was locked in as the Washington Commanders' starter," NFL.com writes. "That said, a Howell fan might also look at Washington's signing of Jacoby Brissett on Wednesday as a good thing: Some veteran quarterback was going to arrive, and at least it's not Lamar Jackson.
Coach Ron Rivera started the offseason saying Howell was the team's No. 1; however, Rivera also recently said that if a veteran beat out Howell, "so be it." There's little reason to think Howell could win a true competition against Brissett, who is coming off his best season. Rivera likely needs to win this year to keep his job, and the Commanders have an enticing group of skill position players, with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson. I'm intrigued by Howell's talent after a flashy Week 18 start, but Brissett will likely claim the top job if it's a fair fight.
The 30-year-old Brissett has played for four NFL teams, last year totaling more than 2,600 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns. Brissett started 11 games for the Browns while Deshaun Watson was serving his suspension for conduct detrimental to the league with his numerous sexual assault allegations.
Brissett's experience in several different offenses should be tremendously helpful for Howell and the Commanders. Washington has the worst-odds to win the NFC East and undoubtedly need to be better offensively to compete with the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles. Having played just one regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 last season, Howell looked competent as the team's starting quarterback but could reap the benefits of learning from or being pushed by Brissett.
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