Ron Rivera settled Commanders' QB situation amid team sale
While the Washington Commanders are in the midst of their team sale, coach Ron Rivera named his starting quarterback heading into next season.
Rivera said that the team will enter next season with second-year quarterback Sam Howell as "more than likely" their starting quarterback.
When asked if he thought his Week 1 starting quarterback was on his team right now, Rivera said:
"Well, I think he most certainly can be. I know this: We will go into OTAs, minicamp, with Sam more thank likely at QB1, and we'll see what happens. It's his opportunity. This is a challenge to him. You know, if he comes out and does the things that he's capabale of, he can most certainly be our guy, but, we'll find out.
"And, again, that's what competition is gonna do. It's gonna bring out the best in all of our guys."
Ron Rivera says Sam Howell is “more than likely” @Commanders QB1.
@nflnetwork https://t.co/DMGSHi5ZV7
The rookie quarterback only appeared/started in one game last season. He was taken in the fifth-round of the 2022 NFL draft by the team and made his start in the team's last game of the season.
He completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown, while running for 35 yards. They upset the Dallas Cowboys 26-6.
Final: Commanders 26 Cowboys 6
Sam Howell: 11-of-19, 169 yards, two touchdowns (one pass, one run), and an INT.
Washington finishes 8-8-1.
And you thought they wouldn't find a way to .500 with a 17-game season.
Rivera named Howell the starter despite backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke going 5-3-1.
The Washington Commanders are set to move on from Carson Wentz after one season
Carson Wentz has a dead cap hit of $0 in 2023 and can be released from the team.
Washington is more than likely going to move on from Wentz this season. He was acquired from the Colts last offseason in exchange for Washington's 2022 second- and third-round picks and a conditional third-round pick in the 2013 draft.
In seven starts, he finished 2-5 with a passer rating of 80.2, throwing 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke set a career-high in passer rating of 89.6 last season while throwing for 1,859 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The news of Howell likely being the Commanders' starter shouldn't rule out any option of the team drafting or possibly acquiring another QB in the offseason.
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If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Ron Rivera, Andrew Siciliano, and H/T Sportskeeda.