NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Commanders hold the 2nd overall pick and will likely take a QB. This leaves a question mark for Sam Howell. He will likely be the backup in Washington for the next two seasons. However, some reports seem to indicate that Howell could generate trade interest around draft time. Right now, I would expect his trade value to be around a 3rd rounder.
Here are five teams that could take a swing on Howell.
New York Jets
“We need a backup quarterback. We didn’t have one last year.” This is what Jets owner, Woody Johnson said at the NFL Honors. Howell would present a unique opportunity for NY. The hope was for Zach Wilson to reset and learn while sitting behind Rodgers for a year or two. After this season, it is clear Wilson is out of their future plans.
They could take this same approach with Howell. It would also give them a better backup option if Rodgers goes down again next season.
Miami Dolphins
I don’t expect the Dolphins to be in the QB market this offseason, but I like the idea of Howell in Miami. After four years, it is clear Tua has limitations from a physical standpoint. 2023 was also the only season he was able to finish without missing a game.
If the Dolphins are looking toward the future, maybe they’re interested in a QB who has the physical tools. No, I am not saying Howell is just as good or better than Tua is right now. However, under Mike McDaniel, Tua improved drastically in the last two seasons vs his first two.
The mental side of playing QB is where Howell struggles the most. McDaniel is one of the brightest offensive minds in football and could help Howell out in that area.
Los Angeles Rams
I am not sure if the Rams have any interest in Howell, but I believe this is the best possible landing spot for him. Over the next three seasons, Stafford will have a cap hit of around $50 million. After the 2025 season, there is an opportunity for the Rams to move on. Whether it’s from Stafford’s age, poor play, or if the team isn’t in a good place, they may choose to do so.
This situation is sort of a combination of the Jets and Dolphins. Howell being able to sit and learn under a great QB and head coach would be very beneficial for his development.
New England Patriots
The Commanders and Patriots are in a very similar situation. Both have a new head coach and are in serious need of a rebuild. The Patriots could opt to look for their QB elsewhere if they aren’t sold on the QB that is there at 3. I don’t expect them to swing on someone like Kirk Cousins with the current state of their roster and there has been no report of them being in on a Justin Fields trade.
This could open the door for Sam Howell. New head coach, Jerod Mayo witnessed firsthand how dominant Howell could be this season. In their week 9 matchup, Howell managed over 350 total yards while tossing 5 Big Time Throws.
If they opt to build the roster before going after a QB, Howell would be their best bet. He has a cap hit just under $1.1 and $1.2 million over the next two seasons. If they can sure up the offensive line while adding serious weapons in the draft, Howell could play well.
Denver Broncos
All signs point to Russell Wilson being somewhere else next season. The Broncos are in a tough spot at the QB position. With Wilson gone, they don’t have a QB on the roster that can be a reliable NFL starter. They also pick 12th in the draft, meaning they could miss out on the top QBs.
They may go with one of the 2nd tier QBs in Bo Nix or Michael Penix. This could lead to a trade for Howell so he can start while the rookie is developing. Payton wouldn’t have taken the Denver job if he didn’t like Wilson or his skill set. My comp for Howell coming out was Russell Wilson. Both were great deep passers with underrated mobility but tended to create their own pressures/sacks.
While the Broncos won’t want to give up more draft capital for a QB, trading for Howell would likely be their cheapest option while also having the most upside.
Other possible destinations: Falcons, Vikings, Steelers
If Jones will only bring a 5th round draft choice why not give him a chance with New England.