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NFL 2023: Predicting the starting QB for all 32 teams pre-NFL Free Agency

By Sayre Bedinger

2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL offseason
2023 NFL offseason; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) warms up against the Minnesota Vikings before the game at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Commanders: Sam Howell (replacing Carson Wentz)

Possible backup options: Taylor Heinicke (free agent), Sam Darnold, 2023 NFL Draft pick

When you think back a couple of years ago, it wouldn’t have been crazy to predict Sam Howell as the future starting QB of the Washington Commanders. As a matter of fact, there were probably plenty of people who felt like the Commanders would be in decent position to get Howell in the 2022 NFL Draft, but there was a time when most everyone thought he was a lock to go in the first round.

The Commanders got him in the fifth.

Even after we saw Sam Howell broaden his game in his final year at North Carolina by becoming more of a runner, the NFL still apparently wasn’t sold on his overall makeup as a possible franchise QB. It seemed like getting Howell in the fifth was a major steal, however, and now as we enter the 2023 offseason, he’s penciled in as the QB1 of the Commanders.

The Commanders, who now have Eric Bieniemy leading the offense as their new coordinator, have got to be feeling pretty good about the future of the franchise. Bieniemy is coming over from Kansas City where they play offense seemingly on another level compared to everyone else. The personnel in Washington is outstanding and Howell is set up really well for success in his second NFL season.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Commanders try to bring in someone else at the QB position but I don’t think they have to be super aggressive here. Maybe a reclamation project, maybe bring back Taylor Heinicke, or maybe go after someone like Hendon Hooker in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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