Why not let Howell be the 2nd string QB and Maye / Daniels start.
Maybe that's how it goes, but that gets sorted out in camp. I think the GM just wants to make sure they have all the tools they need in that room, no matter how the order shakes out.
RR wanted character, too, but he didn't have the quite the same premium on (or ability to discern), like, being good at playing football.
Plus I don't think Ron or the Commanders organization attracted real talent. That seems to have changed mightily now. So I wouldn't put it on Ron not having the smarts or ability to choose the right guys. I don't think "the right guys" wanted to come here.
A #4 OA pick with 14 career sacks in 5 full seasons, meh grades from PFF, run grade significantly lower than his underwhelming pass rush grade.
This is the kind of guy Quinn loves though. Young, talented, has the tools to be better, then you figure out how to wring the most out of him. I like the approach -- cheap, promising potential diamond in the rough. Our new front office shops like BMac.
Here's hoping we get something good in return if it really is the end of Howell. He's certainly a better option than any of the FAs left on the board, and cheaper, with 3 years left on his rookie deal.
If I were Denver or Minnesota, I'd be all over Howell. And if we're open to trading him, we might be best served doing it soon, because Fields is probably considered the best left, and Chicago seems to be in a holding pattern on moving him. The iron might be hottest for Howell right now unless the league is down on him.
Actually, aside from QB at 2OA, I think the work the FO has done so far has given them a lot more flexibility as far as how they manage the draft capital.
Like Rid said, including maybe keeping Sam and trading back, if they like McCarthy/Nix/Penix. The talking heads that have Maye falling aren't doing it solely because they have questions about Maye. They also really like these other guys, and they all showed well at the combine.
NIL may have handed us the first QB class this deep with potential franchise guys. Again, it's not so much the controversy of Maye being a bit suspect; it's the rise of the others after combine performances and interviews. Trading back might not be crazy, especially if it's a haul.
(For the record, I still hope our FO loves someone enough to take them at 2, just saying the alternatives are looking more and more feasible.)