Why did the Commanders keep Jeff Driskel as a third quarterback on their initial 53-man roster?
For the last two weeks, several insiders have publicly stated that they felt strongly the Commanders would only keep two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster while placing a third on their practice squad.
Yet, after Tuesday’s deadline, Washington has three quarterbacks: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Jeff Driskel.
Head coach Dan Quinn, in speaking with the media Tuesday, expressed, “I think as you are going through it, quite honestly, we like the quarterback room. You just want as many guys in the building that are going through the process, understanding the system and working out. It’s such an important position as you are going through you want as many guys in the building that are always developing, always pushing. No other reason than the talent of the group and we really felt like this group was really pushing it. That was the reason behind it.”
Quinn wasn’t being dishonest. He is simply cautious not to say too much. Mariota, the second quarterback, was the second overall pick in 2015 and he has walked in Daniels’ shoes.
In addition, Mariota was recently in training camp, injuring a groin. If they need to go to another quarterback this season, right now, they are saying they want to have Driskel around.
Jeff Driskel takes off for 41 yards!
: Stream #WASvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DbpnMf1Kaz
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024
Being in his first NFL season, the Commanders may feel it best to have two veteran quarterbacks in Daniels’s ear. Having supportive quarterbacks who accept their role in the quarterback room Monday through Friday is going to be very important for Daniels this year.
Driskel is 31. He has been around the football block a few times himself. He was a 5-star recruit for the Florida Gators and was going to be a big deal in the SEC. But it didn’t work out as planned.
Yet, Driskel has persevered, been a good student of the game, and been a good teammate. Consequently, he now enters his seventh NFL team in his eighth NFL season. Having been with the Bengals, Lions, Broncos, Texans, and Browns, he is glad to be here. He won’t make waves. He will come to work each day and be glad to be of whatever help he can to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.