2023 Pass/Rush Stats
YDS
3946
TD
21
INT
21
YDS
263
TD
5
2024 Projections
2023 Fantasy Outlook
A 2022 fifth-round pick, Howell started one game last season for Washington -- Week 18 -- but is expected to be the Week 1 starter this year. Only free-agent acquisition Jacoby Brissett is around to challenge him for the job after the team parted ways with Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz. A three-year starter at North Carolina, Howell showed a quick release and above-average arm strength, with good accuracy on deep throws. At 6-1, 220, Howell is strong for a QB and capable as a runner, but he’s not especially fast and isn't likely to get many designed runs (27 of his 35 rushing yards in his lone start last year came on scrambles). Washington has a good group of wideouts for Howell to target in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, and former Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy promises to get them the ball in space with a quick-passing game as the new OC. Howell should at least be useful in two-QB leagues if he can hold the job. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
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Overall
Headed for Seattle
The Commanders are sending Howell, a fourth-round draft pick and a sixth-rounder to the Seahawks in exchange for third and fifth-round draft choices, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
With Howell no longer in the mix, Washington figures to use the No. 2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft on a new franchise QB. Meanwhile, Howell, who started all 17 of the Commanders' regular-season games in 2023, fills the void created by Drew Lock's departure in free agency and gives the Seahawks an alternative to incumbent No. 1 signal-caller Geno Smith.
With Howell no longer in the mix, Washington figures to use the No. 2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft on a new franchise QB. Meanwhile, Howell, who started all 17 of the Commanders' regular-season games in 2023, fills the void created by Drew Lock's departure in free agency and gives the Seahawks an alternative to incumbent No. 1 signal-caller Geno Smith.
NFL Stats
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
See red zone opportunities inside the 20, 10 and 5-yard lines along with the percentage of time they converted the opportunity into a touchdown.
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Advanced NFL Stats
How do Sam Howell's 2023 advanced stats compare to other quarterbacks?
This section compares his advanced stats with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. The longer the bar, the better it is for the player.
Bad Pass %
17.6%Avg Target Depth
7.3 YdsSack Rate
9.6%Avg Receiver YAC
5.3 YdsReceiver Drop %
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2023
2022
2023 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
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2023 Sam Howell Split Stats
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Measurables Review
View College Player Page
How do Sam Howell's measurables compare to other quarterbacks?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 1"Weight
220 lbsHand Length
9.13 inArm Length
30.75 in
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Solidified as backup per Macdonald
Head coach Mike Macdonald said Saturday that he doesn't expect there to be a quarterback competition between Howell and Geno Smith, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Macdonald added, "Geno's going to be our starter. Sam knows he's going to be our backup...he's got a really bright future that we believe in." The Seahawks acquired Howell from the Commanders on March 14, after the young quarterback started all 17 games last season and threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. While Howell doesn't figure to be the QB1 for 2024, he does bring insurance behind Smith, with the latter missing two games last season with a groin injury.
Macdonald added, "Geno's going to be our starter. Sam knows he's going to be our backup...he's got a really bright future that we believe in." The Seahawks acquired Howell from the Commanders on March 14, after the young quarterback started all 17 games last season and threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. While Howell doesn't figure to be the QB1 for 2024, he does bring insurance behind Smith, with the latter missing two games last season with a groin injury.
2022 Fantasy Outlook
Howell had first-round buzz after putting up 38 touchdown passes as a freshman and 10.3 yards per attempt as a sophomore, but he dropped all the way to the fifth round after a disappointing junior year at UNC. He'll begin his career as the third quarterback in Washington behind new No. 1 Carson Wentz and 2021 starter Taylor Heinicke. Howell did run for 828 yards and 11 TDs last year, suggesting he might offer more mobility than the veterans ahead of him, if nothing else.
More Fantasy News
Could be traded soon
The Commanders' recent contract agreement with Marcus Mariota suggests Howell may be on the trade block, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
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Picked off twice in finale
Howell completed 19 of 27 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
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Will retain starting role in finale
Head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Howell will start Sunday's season finale against the Cowboys, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
ANALYSIS
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Struggles in blowout loss
Howell completed 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
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In line to start Sunday
Howell is slated to start Sunday's game against the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
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