Washington Commanders tab Sam Howell as starting quarterback for 2023

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced on Friday that second-year quarterback Sam Howell has earned the starting job for the 2023 season.

Throughout the preseason, Howell has looked like the leader in the clubhouse ahead of veteran Jacoby Brissett and former Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm.

Howell had limited action as a rookie. He went 11-of-19 passing (57.9%) for 169 touchdowns, one touchdown and one interception. He threw his lone touchdown of the season against the Dallas Cowboys in the season finale during the 2022 campaign. The rookie also rushed for 35 yards and an additional rushing touchdown.

The Washington Commanders drafted Howell out of North Carolina with the first pick in the fifth round, which was pick No. 144 overall.

In his college career, Howell was prolific. Although his passing statistics dipped after his freshman year, he was one of the best quarterbacks in program history. He finished his collegiate career with 10,283 yards, 92 touchdowns, 23 interceptions and a 63.8% completion percentage.

Commanders believe in Howell to lead in 2023

Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson predicted Howell would win the job earlier in the summer.

“I think we got our quarterback situation settled,” Dotson said on The Jim Rome Show. “I think Sam Howell’s gonna be our guy. I have complete faith in him. He’s a guy who, I always say this, he makes throws look super effortless on the field.

“He’s a great leader,” Dotson added. “He’s learning how to lead an NFL offense. He’s just learning the ropes just as we are, being in a new offense. I’m super excited for him. I can’t wait to get out there and just make plays for him and make his life and his job as easy as possible. I can’t wait for it.”

Washington star Terry McLaurin has also lauded the former Tar Heel for his poise, even in the face of adversity.

“Yeah, to be honest, you really don’t even see him get flustered,” McLaurin said last month. “Even when he’s had a few rough patches during practice, he doesn’t hang his head, he’s not yelling, cussing, things like that. He stays pretty even-keeled, which is really unique for a young guy like that.

“Not only that, I think that struck me in the Dallas game because we had a turnover, but he still wasn’t afraid to push the ball down the field and I think with this being a passing league, you still gotta stay aggressive. It’s really cool to see a young guy who’s not afraid to continue to get his guys catches.”

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.