Insider suggests this AFC team could be interested in Sam Howell

One New York Jets insider suggests that Sam Howell could be a possible trade target for the team this offseason.

The future for Sam Howell in Washington is a little unclear going into the 2024 offseason with the Commanders holding the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft.

With a good quarterback class including Drake Maye, the Commanders are likely going to address the position with that pick. And if they do that, it’s not great news for Howell.

One insider believes that the New York Jets could be a spot for Howell to land if he is traded. Connor Hughes of SNY answered a mailbag question about whether the Jets would kick the tires on a potential trade for Howell.

Here’s his answer:

I love the idea of this, assuming he’s available. The Commanders could easily keep him as the backup. It’s not like this is a Sam Darnold, Justin Fields situation. If available, though, I’d prioritize him over anyone else.

Howell proved this year he can play. There are flaws to his game, but none where the season is lost if he has to play. He’s also cheaper. Howell would have a cap hit under $1 million each of the next two years — that matters to Woody Johnson and the Jets. There are those in the Jets building who believe he can play, too. Maybe two years learning behind Rodgers really unlocks his potential and he ends up being his replacement. He did throw for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns on a terrible Commanders team.

The key will simply be compensation. The Jets should do this if all it takes is a pick on the third day of the draft. Howell is just as good of an insurance policy as Gardner Minshew or Jacoby Brissett.

That’s interesting.

A few key points. The Commanders will have to take a quarterback AND be willing to move on from Howell for this to happen. The Jets would also have to be interested in adding Howell.

We do know it’s likely the Jets will look for a backup quarterback for Aaron Rodgers as they saw what could happen last year when he was lost for the season in Week 1.

All of this is still smoke and one insider’s opinion, but it is something to monitor.

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