Washington Commanders Coaching Staff Reportedly Split Over Future of Quarterback Sam Howell
Uncertainty is growing inside the Washington Commanders organization as reports surface of a divide among the coaching staff regarding the future of quarterback Sam Howell. Once viewed as a promising young leader for the franchise, Howell’s inconsistent play has sparked debate about whether he’s truly the long-term answer under center.
“Sam’s got heart — no one questions that. But heart alone doesn’t win games in this league. We’ve given him every chance to prove he’s the guy, and if he can’t take control now, we’ll have to start planning for what’s next,” one member of the staff reportedly said.
Through the first half of the season, Howell has shown flashes of talent — demonstrating poise, mobility, and a strong arm — but those moments have been overshadowed by costly turnovers and uneven decision-making. While some coaches remain optimistic about his potential, others believe the Commanders need to start evaluating future options at quarterback, whether through the draft or free agency.
Head coach Dan Quinn is reportedly walking a fine line between developing Howell and keeping the team competitive in the NFC East. The offense, coordinated by Kliff Kingsbury, has struggled with consistency, often relying on big plays rather than sustained drives — a symptom of Howell’s inexperience and the team’s protection issues up front.
For Washington’s front office, the decision carries major implications. Sticking with Howell means committing to his growth and accepting short-term growing pains. Moving on would signal another reset for a franchise that has already endured years of instability at the quarterback position.
As the season progresses, the Commanders’ path forward will likely depend on Howell’s ability to deliver under pressure. His next few starts could determine not only his future in Washington but also the direction of the team’s rebuild.
NFC Notes: Mac Jones, Sean McVay, 49ers, Cardinals, Rams
49ers
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said that backup QB Mac Jones has been everything the 49ers could have hoped for.
“I was real impressed,” Shanahan said, via Pro Football Talk. “He played his ass off. He was unbelievable in the first half, got banged up a little bit there in the second half and battled through it, protected the ball. Going against that defense, throwing the ball that many times and not having a turnover, protecting like he did, I can’t say enough good things about Mac.”
- Per Shanahan, TE George Kittle is a “long shot” to have his practice window opened before the game against the Buccaneers, and next week it is more likely to happen. (Nick Wagoner)
- The team is also hoping to open the practice window for S Malik Mustapha next week. (Wagoner)
- Shanahan gave several injury updates, noting that CB Upton Stout has an ankle sprain and is day to day, DT Kalia Davis is having surgery on his broken hand, DT Yetur Gross-Matos will miss some time with a hamstring strain, and DT Alfred Collins has a sprained knee. (Wagoner)
Cardinals
The Cardinals recently announced plans for their new training facility and team headquarters. Arizona QB Kyler Murray hopes he’s still a part of the team by the time things open in 2028.
“It’s beautiful,” Murray said, via NFL.com. “I don’t know when it’s coming out, but hopefully I’m here to see it.”
Rams
Rams HC Sean McVay was asked how the team can fix the team’s issues and felt that the kicking game could top the list, and feels it has cost the team two games already this season.
“Oh man, I wish it was just one thing,” McVay said Friday, via RamsWire.com. “When you watch the protection, we have to fix it. It’s not one thing in particular. There are different locations, spots and people that have not executed the way that we’re capable of. We’ve got to consistently use better techniques. I thought we had a hold on it. I thought we did a good job against Indianapolis. I thought we had a good handle on it and clearly I was not right in that. We have to fix it. We have to go back to work, we have to get the right techniques, and we have to get the right people on there because that has been a killer for us and it’s cost us two games.”
