With franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels and seasoned backup Marcus Mariota, the Washington Commanders have a clear hierarchy, but the competition for the third quarterback spot has left coaches with more concerns than answers. The preseason is now over.
Both veteran Josh Johnson and second-year player Sam Hartman’s lackluster performances have stoked rumors that the organization would seek an outside remedy, with former Commander Jeff Driskel surfacing as a possible contender. Jeff Driskel, a free agent at the moment, performed well enough the previous season to secure a spot on the roster behind Daniels and Mariota.
The rivalry between Hartman and Johnson for the QB3 position has been a supporting plot point during the preseason. But neither player took advantage of the chance. Hartman started the game but struggled with turnovers, losing a fumble and throwing two interceptions in the preseason finale. Some others said his performance made it brutally clear that he wouldn’t make the 53-man roster. Johnson had his own problems, including an interception in the end zone near the conclusion of the game, even though his performance was marginally better.
The Commanders may need to fill the hole left by the lack of a clear winner in this position competition before the regular season starts. Johnson and Hartman’s poor play raises questions about their ability to fill in in an emergency, even if a team may decide to keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster and put a third on the practice squad.
Jeff Driskel joins the discussion at this point. Driskel, a free agent now, was a member of the Commanders in 2024. At a time of significant uncertainty, he might offer a steady and dependable option because of his athleticism and journeyman quarterbacking experience. Given that Mariota suffered from Achilles inflammation during the preseason, Driskel’s familiarity with the organization may facilitate a more seamless transfer.
