Commanders' Jahan Dotson names winner in quarterback competition

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson believes the quarterback competition involving Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett is already over. 

"I think we got our quarterback situation settled," Dotson said during an appearance on "The Jim Rome Show," as shared by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports. "I think Sam Howell's gonna be our guy. I have complete faith in him. He makes throws look super effortless on the field. He's been a great leader. He's learning how to lead an NFL offense. ... So I'm super excited for him. I can't wait to make plays for him."

Howell entered the NFL as a 2022 fifth-round draft pick, played in a single game as a rookie and presumably began the offseason atop the depth chart before Washington signed Brissett in March. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera raised eyebrows earlier this month when he indicated Howell hasn't yet secured the starting job for Week 1, and Brissett suggested he "wouldn’t be" with the Commanders if he believed he was automatically entering training camp as Howell's primary backup. 

Benjamin mentioned how ESPN Commanders insider John Keim recently told the "Trap or Dive Podcast" (h/t Hogs Haven) about how Howell has looked "for Jahan a lot" during springtime practices. 

"I think the biggest thing is the tight ends," Keim added about what he's noticed during the offseason program. "...I think there is a good connection with Sam and Logan Thomas. The receivers, there’s certainly Jahan Dotson, a guy that you see he has looked for a lot." 

Howell only appeared (and started) in the Week 18 game against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys this past January and flashed some promise. The 22-year-old completed 11-of-19 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 26-6 win, and he also contributed 35 rushing yards on five attempts. 

Such a small sample size means little this spring but offers hope Howell can develop into more than just a journeyman, which is what Brissett is at this stage of his career.