Rivera: Commanders' starting QB job up for grabs

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said there will be an open competition for the team's No. 1 quarterback role.

"I'm going to play the guy we believe gives us the best chance to win football games," Rivera said Tuesday, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN.

The Commanders signed quarterback Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8-million deal on March 15. Sam Howell and Jake Fromm are the other quarterbacks on the roster.

Rivera said he believes Howell has many of the same qualities as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Howell made his NFL debut in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys, totaling 204 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. The Commanders selected the 22-year-old in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.

Rivera did not rule out the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the first round this year.

"We want to make a decision on the best player for us, the best player available," Rivera said, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. The Commanders hold the 16th overall pick.

Rivera ruled out the possibility of Washington pursuing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson but described him as a "tremendous talent," according to Rapoport.

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