Washington Commanders Sign QB Jeff Driskel; Backup Competition?

Jeff Driskel continues his NFL journey by signing with the Washington Commanders.

The Washington Commanders are adding another arm to their quarterback room.

The team announced on Monday that it is signing Jeff Driskel to the roster, likely as a third-string quarterback under Marcus Mariota and whomever they take in the NFL Draft.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jeff Driskell (12) throws a pass in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

Driskel, who turns 31 later this month, is the true embodiment of a journeyman in the NFL. The Commanders are Driskel's eighth team in his nine-year career, and he's been able to learn many different systems.

Driskel has a direct connection with assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough. The two were teammates back in 2019 with the Detroit Lions and reunited in the quarterback room for the Arizona Cardinals last summer. Both Blough and Driskel were cut by the Cardinals before the 53-man rosters were revealed.

Driskel spent most of last season on the Cardinals practice squad, but the Cleveland Browns signed him in late December as insurance for the team's injuries in the quarterback room. The Browns elected to start him for the team's Week 18 contest after they already qualified for a Wild Card spot in the AFC playoffs.

There's a chance Driskel could have a similar role with the Commanders this season either as a third quarterback on the 53-man roster or the first guy on the practice squad that can be called up or signed if there are injuries.