On Friday, the Washington Commanders and Eric Bieniemy agreed on a multi-year deal. The former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator will become the assistant head coach, as well as offensive coordinator, for the Washington Commanders. Additionally, Bieniemy will also take the reigns of the offense in Washington, which wasn’t the case in Kansas City. With the deal now complete, it’s time for Eric Bieniemy and the Washington Commanders to focus on QB this offseason.
As it stands, the Commanders have two active quarterbacks on their roster, Sam Howell and Carson Wentz. However, Washington has an out in Wentz’s contract, and based on how he’s played as of late, they’d be a fool not to execute it. The Commanders seem poised to enter next season with Sam Howell as their starting quarterback. Howell, the fifth round pick in last-year’s NFL Draft, finished the season starting in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Howell was 11 of 19, with 169 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Quarterback Options In The 2023 NFL Draft
The Washington Commanders have the 16th overall pick, as well as the 48th overall pick, early in the 2023 NFL Draft. If they want to find a franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft, they’ll have a few options.
If Anthony Richardson is a target for Washington, it shouldn’t take much to move up to draft him. Richardson had a big season for the Florida Gators last season, but it was a surprise when he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He lacks a lot of experience as a starting quarterback, but was a strong performer. He might not be pro-ready to start the season, but he’d have a terrific mentor in the form of Eric Bieniemy.
Another available option at quarterback is Hendon Hooker. The former Tennessee Volunteer tore his knee on November 19th against South Carolina. However, prior to the injury, Hooker was one of the best quarterbacks, especially out of those in the SEC, such as Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. While Hendon Hooker won’t be ready for the 2023 NFL Combine, he should be ready to start the season. More importantly, he should be available when the Commanders are on the clock with the 48th overall pick.
Free Agency Quarterbacks This Offseason
This offseason is a rather large one for the quarterback position. Derek Carr, Lamar Jackson, and Jimmy Garoppolo are all poised to hit free agency this offseason.
In my opinion, I find it unlikely that Derek Carr or Lamar Jackson would consider signing a long-term deal with Washington. Despite the Commanders having a solid roster of players on offense, it’s just not a hot free agent destination.
However, for Jimmy Garoppolo, this is a situation in which he could thrive in. Eric Bieniemy wouldn’t have a lot of work on his hands in terms of bringing Garoppolo up to speed. Rather, he can focus on the creativeness of his offense. Furthermore, Garoppolo is capable of making most NFL throws with good arm velocity.
Regardless of what the Washington Commanders elect to do this offseason, head coach Ron Rivera finally has a solid offensive coordinator in the building. Whether it works or not remains to be seen, but the future is bright in the Nation’s Capital.
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