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As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Thursday, No. 21 was tight end Cole Turner.
We continue our countdown today with No. 20, quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
The Commanders entered the offseason with the plan to start Sam Howell at quarterback. Or, at the very least, sign a capable veteran who could push Howell while serving as a mentor.
Washington wanted to retain Taylor Heinicke for the role, but it had a price. The Atlanta Falcons paid Heinicke more, leading Washington to focus on Brissett. The Commanders signed Brissett to a one-year deal worth $8 million.
Brissett gives Washington options. Howell still needs to beat out Brissett for the job in training camp. While he enters camp ahead of Brissett, he needs a strong performance in practice and in the preseason to hold off the veteran. If Brissett wins the job, Washington knows what it will get from him. He will keep the Commanders in games, and playing with a strong defense, Brissett could have Washington in the playoffs.
Ideally, Howell wins the job. That gives Washington hope for the future, and it will have a capable backup if Howell struggles or gets hurt.
Brissett can play. And whether he starts or not, he’s a good teammate. He’ll provide leadership and be a sounding board for Howell. Brissett enters his eighth NFL season in 2023. He’s played a lot of football, appearing in 76 games with 48 starts. The moment will not be too big if Brissett is pressed into service.
The backup quarterback is always an important player. The backup usually plays in Washington, but the Commanders would love for their starter to make it through an entire season. But Brissett’s importance to Washington is that he’s only one snap away, and he’s also the right guy to mentor Howell.