Tag: Sam Howell

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Seahawks to acquire QB Sam Howell from Commanders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Seattle Seahawks are acquiring quarterback Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

Per reports, the Seahawks also will receive a fourth-round pick (No. 102) and a sixth-round selection (No. 179) in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 78) and a fifth-selection (No. 152) in the same draft.

Howell is expected to compete with Geno Smith for the starting quarterback job in Seattle. Drew Lock, who had served as the Seahawks’ backup for the past two seasons, agreed to a deal with the New York Giants.

Howell, 23, started all 17 games last season for the Commanders. He led the NFL in passing attempts (612) and interceptions (21) to go along with 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Howell has completed 63.2 percent of his passes since being selected by Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Commanders are expected to select a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in next month’s draft.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (L) smiles as Commanders general manager Adam Peters (R) speaks during Quinn's introductory press conference at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New Commanders GM Adam Peters: Interviews key to QB search

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — The first question new Commanders general manager Adam Peters was asked Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine was about Brock Purdy.

Peters came to Washington from the San Francisco 49ers, where he was the assistant GM when the front office pulled the trigger on drafting the Iowa State quarterback with the final pick of the 2022 draft. The rest was history.

“Now I’ve got to find a new quarterback,” Peters smiled.

It was not breaking news that the Commanders would seek an upgrade over Sam Howell and potentially draft a franchise quarterback this year. But Washington owns the No. 2 pick in April’s draft, a far cry from the final pick that Peters spent on Purdy. The Commanders sit ahead of QB-needy New England but behind Chicago.

Peters, in the GM seat for the first time of his career, will have plenty of say on the Commanders’ final decision. Peters said he will be meeting the crop of quarterback prospects in person for the first time this week, with some interviews lined up for Tuesday night and Wednesday.

“That’s just the beginning of the process,” Peters said. “It’s a huge part of really any position, is getting to know the person. That’s where we’ve always found, in scouting, you make the biggest mistakes more so on the person than the actual talent.”

Caleb Williams of Southern California, Drake Maye of North Carolina and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU are considered the cream of the draft crop. The running ability of Williams and Daniels in particular might make them an ideal fit for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the former Texas Tech and Arizona Cardinals head coach who has worked with Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray.

“We’ve really just talked about quarterback play in general, and what he looks for in quarterbacks and how we can find that right fit for him, if that’s what we’re gonna do,” said Peters, who hired Kingsbury three weeks ago.

“Certainly that hasn’t been decided yet by any stretch of the imagination. We still have a lot of work to do, whether it’s that pick or later.”

Peters went on to claim the Commanders “really like what we have” in Howell, a fifth-round pick by the previous regime in 2022, and that the quarterback room needs to have competition to ensure the best outcomes.

“You guys know how construction goes. It doesn’t go real fast,” Peters said.

New Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was scheduled to meet with reporters at 5 p.m.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders QB Sam Howell to start vs. 49ers

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The Washington Commanders will turn to Sam Howell to start Sunday’s game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers with fellow quarterback Jacoby Brissett ruled inactive due to a hamstring injury.

The Commanders called up Jake Fromm from the practice squad on Saturday to back up Howell. Brissett is listed on the official injury report as the emergency third quarterback.

Howell, 23, initially was benched in favor of Brissett earlier in the week after the latter replaced the former in each of the previous two games for the Commanders (4-11).

Including the 2022 season finale, Howell has started 16 consecutive games for the Commanders. The 2022 fifth-round pick ranks 11th in the NFL this season in passing yards (3,624) but has offset his 19 touchdown passes with a league-high 17 interceptions — including four pick-sixes. He has also been sacked a league-high 60 times.

Brissett, who started 11 games last season for Cleveland, has completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three games this season.

The 31-year-old compiled an 18-30 record as a starter for the Browns (2022), Miami Dolphins (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2017-20) and New England Patriots (2016). He has thrown for 10,574 yards with 51 TDs and 23 interceptions.

Other inactives for the Commanders are cornerbacks Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller, defensive end Jalen Harris, offensive lineman Andrew Wylie, tight end Cole Turner and wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley.

For the 49ers, tight end Ross Dwelley, quarterback Brandon Allen, offensive lineman Jaylon Moore, defensive lineman Arik Armstead, safety Ji’Ayir Brown, wide receiver Jauan Jennings and linebacker Jalen Graham are inactive.

–Field Level Media

Aug 11, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Howell named Commanders starting QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington Commanders second-year quarterback Sam Howell will be under center to start the season, coach Ron Rivera announced Friday.

“Sam’s our guy,” Rivera said. “I’m very confident and comfortable saying he’s our starter.”

The Commanders open the season at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 10.

Friday’s announcement wasn’t a surprising one, considering Howell has worked with the starters since the beginning of spring practices. Offseason acquisition Jacoby Brissett replaced Howell for a number of first-team snaps prior to the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns last Friday.

Howell completed 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s 17-15 victory over Cleveland.

“This was about what Sam did,” Rivera said. “Jacoby has been a true pro and done everything asked, and he’s also helped mentor Sam. He’s a more than viable quarterback. But there were certain things Sam had to show us and everybody knew from my perspective it was Sam’s to lose and he did nothing to lose it.”

Howell, who turns 23 next month, was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft out of North Carolina.

His lone appearance last season was in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for a touchdown.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: QB Jacoby Brissett to sign with Commanders

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Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to sign a one-year, $10 million contract with the Washington Commanders, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, $8 million is guaranteed.

Brissett will join Sam Howell in the quarterback room for the Commanders. Washington saw fellow quarterback Taylor Heinicke reportedly agree to terms this week on a two-year, $20 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Brissett, 30, completed a career-high 64.0 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,608 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions in 16 games (11 starts) last season with the Cleveland Browns. He also rushed for 243 yards and two scores.

He has thrown for 10,350 yards with 48 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in 76 career games with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Browns.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Rivera: Sam Howell is Commanders QB1 entering offseason

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Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Sam Howell — who has thrown 19 passes in the NFL — will enter the offseason as the team’s first-string quarterback.

Further, Rivera said the Commanders are not interested in signing — or trading for — one of the veteran quarterbacks expected to be available this offseason.

Rivera made the comments during three separate interviews Wednesday after being named the recipient of the 2022 Salute to Service Award.

“The biggest thing we decided is he will start out as QB1,” Rivera told PFT Live. “He will most certainly get the first opportunity. We go into OTAs and minicamp, he’ll be QB1. He’ll fight for that position. We’ll give him every opportunity to earn it, and we’ll see what happens when we get into training camp and through it.”

As for pursuing Derek Carr via trade or signing free agent Jimmy Garoppolo?

“No,” Rivera said. “I think the biggest thing is we have to find a guy to come in that’s going to compete, but in terms of finding a guy you’re going to have to spend a lot of capital on, no.”

A fifth-round draft pick in 2022, Howell started the final game of his rookie season and completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 26-6 win against the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys.

“It’s his opportunity,” Rivera told reporters in a separate interview, where he said Howell is “more than likely” going to be QB1.

“This is a challenge to him. If he comes out and does the things that he’s capable of — we believe he’s capable of — he can most certainly be our guy. But we’ll find out,” Rivera added. “Again, that’s what competition’s going to do. It’s going to bring the best out in all our guys.”

The Commanders, who alternated quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke for the first 16 games, let go of offensive coordinator Scott Turner after finishing the season at 8-8-1.

The Commanders are still interviewing candidates to replace Turner.

Howell, 22, was inactive for nine games and did not play in the other seven games in which he was active in 2022.

The Commanders are expected to release Wentz before the league year begins in March. They acquired him from the Indianapolis Colts in an offseason trade and he finished 2-5 as the starter with 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

Heinicke took over when Wentz got hurt and compiled a 5-3-1 record, completing 62.2 percent of his passes for a team-high 1,859 yards with 12 TDs and six picks.

If Howell is tabbed the Week 1 starter, he would make the Commanders’ seventh different starter in seven years.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Sam Howell is Commanders’ QB1 entering offseason

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Candidates for the Commanders’ offensive coordinator vacancy are being told that Sam Howell is Washington’s starting quarterback entering the offseason, CBS Sports reported Saturday.

A fifth-round draft pick, Howell started the final game of his rookie season and completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 26-6 win against the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys.

The Commanders, who alternated quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke for the first 16 games, let go of offensive coordinator Scott Turner after finishing the season at 8-8-1.

Reports of Howell’s QB1 status indicate Washington won’t look for another veteran in free agency or perhaps use its No. 16 pick in the draft on a signal-caller.

Howell, 22, was inactive for nine games and did not play in the other seven games in which he was active in 2022.

The Commanders are expected to release Wentz before the league year begins in March. They acquired him from the Indianapolis Colts in an offseason trade and he finished 2-5 as the starter with 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

Heinicke took over when Wentz got hurt and compiled a 5-3-1 record, completing 62.2 percent of his passes for a team-high 1,859 yards with 12 TDs and six picks.

Former Detroit Lions and Colts head coach Jim Caldwell reportedly turned down an interview request for the OC position in Washington.

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) on the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: QB Carson Wentz to sit, Commanders want look at rook Sam Howell

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Rookie fifth-round pick Sam Howell appears set for an audition as the Washington Commanders continue to shuffle the deck at quarterback.

Multiple reports Wednesday indicate Carson Wentz, who started last week after Taylor Heinicke played in nine games while Wentz recovered from a broken bone in his hand, will be inactive for Week 18 when the Commanders welcome the Dallas Cowboys.

Heinicke and Howell are expected to share QB duties, per reports.

Howell last played in the preseason finale, taking every snap against the Baltimore Ravens, and has drawn high praise from head coach Ron Rivera.

“Well, he has a bright future in this league,” Rivera said in August. “He has a lot of growing to do. I know [offensive coordinator Scott Turner and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese] will go through this with a fine-tooth comb and emphasize the things that he could’ve done better.”

Washington quarterbacks have combined for 23 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and have been sacked 45 times in 2022.

Wentz threw three interceptions and completed 16 of 28 passes for 143 yards in a loss to the Browns last week. Rivera picked Wentz for the start after weighing whether to stick with Heinicke, who had only one turnover and a combined passer rating of 105 in his previous three games.

The Commanders traded for Wentz after Heinicke led the team in passing in 2021 with 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Given the run of stopgap solutions, another spin on the QB carousel appears imminent for the Commanders, unless Howell proves a draft steal and nails down the job.

Alex Smith led Washington in passing yards and attempts in 2020. It was Case Keenum in 2019, Smith in 2018 and Kirk Cousins (2017, 2016).

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2019; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell (7) celebrates after leading the North Carolina Tar Heels to a 28-25 win over the Miami Hurricanes at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina QB Sam Howell to enter NFL draft

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Sam Howell threw 92 touchdown passes in his three seasons at North Carolina.

The 21-year-old hopes that his next big pass is in the NFL.

Howell announced Saturday that he plans to forego his senior season with the Tar Heels and enter the NFL draft. He posted a video on social media expressing his intentions for the upcoming year, along with a salute to his college teammates, coaches and fans.

“I’ll forever be grateful for my time here at Carolina and for all the people who made it so special,” Howell said.

The North Carolina native completed 62.5 percent of his passes this season for 3,056 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also had 183 carries for 828 yards and 11 scores on the ground.

Howell is projected as a possible first-round draft pick.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Howell as the fifth-best quarterback in the 2022 draft class. He trails Kenny Pickett of Pitt, Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati, Matt Corral of Ole Miss and Malik Willis of Liberty.

–Field Level Media