All indications are that the Washington Commanders will attempt to trade sophomore quarterback Sam Howell this offseason. The Commanders may have tipped their hand when reports emerged that they've signed veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million. That signals Mariota is going to be the No. 2 next season.
The Commanders own the second overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The expectation is that Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels is going to be the next starting quarterback in Washington. Howell's days may be numbered with Mariota joining the franchise. We've identified three teams that should acquire Howell via trade.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Rams general manager Les Snead has spent the early portion of free agency extending his team's window to compete for another championship. Snead spent a boatload of money to secure Matthew Stafford's offensive line by signing Jonah Jackson and re-signing Kevin Dotson. Colby Parkinson was added at tight end, as was a familiar face at cornerback in Darious Williams.
The Rams will be postseason contenders next season, but Snead could also take a low-cost flier on a quarterback who's capable of eventually succeeding Stafford. Howell still has a ton of long-term potential after throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns as a first-year starter. Snead has at least thought about post-Stafford life, proven by his decision to draft Stetson Bennett in the fourth round, who is currently away from the team due to personal reasons. Howell would appreciate an opportunity to work with a legitimate quarterback whisperer like Sean McVay.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants are in the market for a quarterback who can compete with Daniel Jones after he struggled with injuries and inconsistencies as an expensive starter in 2023. General manager Joe Schoen flirted with Russell Wilson, who opted to take a better opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers instead. It's clear that the Giants organization is no longer convinced that Jones is the long-term answer.
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor departed the franchise by signing with the New York Jets on Monday, leaving the Giants without a clear-cut No. 2. Will the Giants, who currently own the sixth overall selection, attempt to position themselves for a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft? Trading for Howell would cost them fewer resources.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Colts lost backup quarterback Gardner Minshew to free agency on Monday. Minshew parlayed his time with the Colts into a potential starting opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Indianapolis is now left without a clear-cut No. 2 behind Anthony Richardson. Sam Ehlinger is the only other quarterback on the roster, and he's not equipped to back up Richardson. The franchise remains all-in on Richardson, but a capable alternative signal-caller is required given that recurring injuries limited Richardson to four appearances as a rookie. Indianapolis needs another quarterback who can play in case Richardson continues dealing with injuries. Howell checks that box.
