The Washington Commanders have officially added former Cleveland Browns quarterback Jeff Driskel to their roster, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. Driskel, who has had stints with various teams, most recently played for the Browns in 2023, making an appearance in one game.
Throughout his career spanning 23 starts, Driskel has amassed a total of 2,394 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Driskel did not see action with the team. However, he did feature in nine games for the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2018 season, where he threw for 1,003 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The Commanders’ decision to sign Driskel comes amid ongoing speculation about their quarterback situation. With the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, there’s anticipation that the Commanders will select their franchise quarterback. With Marcus Mariota already signed, presumably as the backup, Driskel is expected to provide additional depth at the position.
Driskel’s mobility on the field is noted as one of his strengths, a factor likely considered in the Commanders’ decision to sign him. In his lone game for the Cleveland Browns, he showcased his ability to scramble, accumulating seven carries for 33 yards. Additionally, Driskel demonstrated his rushing prowess during his time with the Detroit Lions in 2019, where he amassed 151 yards in three games.
Similar to Driskel, Mariota brings a dual-threat skill set to the quarterback position, reminiscent of the playing style exhibited by Jayden Daniels in the early stages of his career. Speculation among analysts, including discussions on the “BMitch & Finlay” podcast, suggests that the addition of Mariota may indicate a preference for drafting Daniels from LSU with the No. 2 pick.
However, the Commanders’ decision on their No. 2 pick remains uncertain, with mock drafts presenting various scenarios. Some mock drafts, including Ben Standig’s latest projection for The Athletic, suggest the Commanders may opt for Daniels. Notably, Daniels’ impressive performance during the 2023 season, where he threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, has positioned him as a top prospect.
Ultimately, as the Commanders navigate their offseason quarterback moves and prepare for the upcoming draft, the addition of Driskel adds depth to their roster while the quarterback situation unfolds. With multiple options and considerations in play, including the potential drafting of a franchise quarterback, the Commanders face a pivotal decision in shaping the future of their team.
