The Commanders are reportedly all-in on Sam Howell as their starting quarterback in 2023.
A fifth-round pick last year, Howell started just one game as a rookie, completing 11-of-19 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a win over the Cowboys.
That performance was enough for the Commanders, who have to find a long-term solution for a position that has been a revolving door over the last several seasons.
As Warren Sharp notes, no organization has used more starting quarterbacks over the last five seasons than the Commanders.
number of starting QBs the last 5 years
12 – WAS
11
10
9 – DEN
8 – IND, MIA
7 – CHI, JAX, NYJ, CAR, NO
6 – CLE, ARI, NYG, BAL, HOU
5 – SF, CIN, DAL, DET, NE, LAR, PIT, TEN
4 – PHI, ATL
3 – BUF, TB, LAC, KC, LV
2 – GB, SEA, MIN— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 7, 2023
Number of Starting Quarterbacks by Team, Last 5 Years
| Team | Starting QBs Last 5 Years |
|---|---|
| Commanders | 12 |
| Broncos | 9 |
| Colts | 8 |
| Dolphins | 8 |
| Bears | 7 |
| Jaguars | 7 |
| Jets | 7 |
| Panthers | 7 |
| Saints | 7 |
| Browns | 6 |
| Cardinals | 6 |
| Giants | 6 |
| Ravens | 6 |
| Texans | 6 |
| 49ers | 5 |
| Bengals | 5 |
| Cowboys | 5 |
| Lions | 5 |
| Patriots | 5 |
| Rams | 5 |
| Steelers | 5 |
| Titans | 5 |
| Eagles | 4 |
| Falcons | 4 |
| Bills | 3 |
| Buccaneers | 3 |
| Chargers | 3 |
| Chiefs | 3 |
| Raiders | 3 |
| Packers | 2 |
| Seahawks | 2 |
| Vikings | 2 |
Second on this list, the Broncos thought they solved their long-running quarterback issues by trading for Russell Wilson last offseason. Following a disastrous campaign for the offense, however, Wilson has questions to answer under new head coach Sean Payton.
On the other end of the list, it is not surprising to see the Chiefs, Bills, and Chargers among the most stable quarterback situations in the league. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert appear set to lead their franchises for at least the next decade.
The Packers have had that type of quarterback stability for the last 30 years, but they are embarking on a new adventure after trading Aaron Rodgers to the Jets. They will hope Jordan Love can carry on the tradition of elite quarterback play in Green Bay.
NFL Teams With New Starting QBs This Season
- Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
- Colts: Anthony Richardson or Gardner Minshew
- Commanders: Sam Howell
- Jets: Aaron Rodgers
- Packers: Jordan Love
- Panthers: Bryce Young
- Raiders: Jimmy Garoppolo
- Saints: Derek Carr
- Texans: C.J. Stroud
Nine NFL teams have new starting quarterbacks this season (2023): Buccaneers, Colts, Commanders, Jets, Packers, Panthers, Raiders, Saints, and Texans.
