The Washington Commanders are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season, with a focus on their quarterback depth chart. With a potential franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels and a solid second-stringer in Marcus Mariota, the team's only QB-related drama this summer revolves around the No. 3 job. Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis are vying for this role, with Hartman having been on and off the practice squad since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and Kaliakmanis being a recent addition to the team through the draft.
Hartman, a former Wake Forest and Notre Dame starter, has yet to get into a regular-season game. During his most recent in-game action last preseason, he completed just 25 of 46 passes for 207 yards and four interceptions over three contests. The Commanders' decision to pursue Kaliakmanis is intriguing, as he transferred to Rutgers in 2024 after a less-than-stellar showing at Minnesota. However, Kaliakmanis' improved mechanics and pocket presence as a senior at Rutgers have been noted, and he has the potential to earn a roster spot this summer.
The Commanders' quarterback situation is further complicated by the injuries to Daniels and Mariota, which forced them to turn to journeyman Josh Johnson in a Christmas Day loss to the Cowboys. The team hopes to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles, but if they do need to rely on a No. 3 signal-caller, it could be either Hartman or Kaliakmanis.
In other team news, a battle between kickers Jake Moody and Drew Stevens is also underway. Stevens, a four-time All-Big Ten selection at Iowa, joined the Commanders as an undrafted free agent. He saw a better opportunity in Washington, as the team is paying Tyler Bass a significant amount in Buffalo. The Commanders' interest in Stevens suggests they are open to competition for the kicker position.
The Commanders' quarterback and kicker situations are both intriguing and complex, with the team having to make crucial decisions to ensure a strong and competitive roster for the upcoming season.
