**Sealed Deal: Washington Commanders Land a Five-Star QB**
The Washington Commanders have long been a franchise in search of a true leader at quarterback, cycling through a revolving door of signal-callers since the days of Hall of Famer Joe Theismann. Whether it was through trade, free agency, or the draft, the Commanders’ quarterback situation has been one of the most puzzling and frustrating in the NFL. But on a crisp autumn afternoon in 2024, the team finally solved that issue, landing a five-star quarterback who has the potential to transform the franchise into a contender once again.
This monumental move is more than just a transaction; it is the culmination of years of missteps, countless losses, and an enduring hope that Washington would one day find its long-term quarterback. With the new signing, the Commanders are not just addressing a need—they’re setting the stage for a new era in Washington football.
### A Long and Winding Road
The search for a franchise quarterback has been the Commanders’ most pressing need for years. From the days of the late 80s when Theismann was leading Washington to Super Bowl glory, to the rollercoaster ride of quarterbacks that followed, including the likes of Mark Rypien, Heath Shuler, and Robert Griffin III, the team has never found consistent stability at the position. In recent seasons, the franchise has been cycling through quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins, Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, and Carson Wentz, but none of them were able to lead the team to the promised land.
In the 2023 offseason, Washington traded for veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, hoping he could be the answer to their quarterback woes. However, Wentz’s performance fell far below expectations, with inconsistent play and injuries further hindering the team’s success. The Commanders, once again, were left searching for stability under center. With a young, talented roster on both sides of the ball and an improved defense, the window to win was clearly open. The team knew they needed a true franchise quarterback to take advantage of that window.
With the 2024 draft approaching, the Commanders found themselves in prime position to land one of the top quarterbacks in the class. Scouting reports had indicated that this year’s draft class was one of the most loaded in recent memory, with several elite quarterback prospects vying for the top spot. Among them was a five-star prospect who had been turning heads since his high school days: Ryan Ford, a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback who had the potential to change the course of an NFL franchise.
### Ryan Ford: The Next Big Thing
Ryan Ford, a 6’4″, 230-pound quarterback from the University of Alabama, had been a household name in college football for the past few years. Coming out of high school, Ford was a five-star recruit, ranked as the top quarterback in the nation by nearly every scouting service. A dual-threat quarterback with the arm strength to make every throw on the field and the legs to make defenses pay with his mobility, Ford was often compared to some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. He had the leadership qualities, the mental toughness, and the competitive fire that made scouts and coaches drool over his potential.
Over his college career, Ford’s stock only rose. He started immediately as a freshman at Alabama and quickly made a name for himself, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship in his second season. Ford was known for his poise under pressure, his ability to read defenses, and his innate sense for the game. He had a cannon for an arm, but what set him apart from other quarterbacks was his ability to make plays when things broke down. Unlike many quarterbacks who struggle when the pocket collapses, Ford thrived in chaos, often using his athleticism to extend plays and make pinpoint throws on the run.
His junior year was even more impressive, as he led Alabama to an undefeated regular season and another appearance in the College Football Playoff. He finished his final year with over 4,000 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, while also rushing for 600 yards and another 7 touchdowns. His combination of size, athleticism, and production made him the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
For the Commanders, Ford represented the future—exactly what they needed. Not only was he an elite talent, but he also fit the mold of the modern NFL quarterback, blending old-school pocket-passing skills with the ability to extend plays and make things happen with his legs.
### The Draft and the Commanders’ Bold Move
As the 2024 NFL Draft approached, the Commanders found themselves in a prime position to make a splash. Sitting at the 3rd overall pick, they had a great chance to secure Ryan Ford. However, it wasn’t going to be easy. The teams ahead of them—the Chicago Bears at No. 1 and the Houston Texans at No. 2—were also in need of a quarterback, and both franchises were considered heavy favorites to take Ford.
The Commanders knew they had to act fast. General Manager Marty Hurney and Head Coach Ron Rivera had been in constant communication with Ford’s camp, ensuring that the young quarterback was on board with their vision for the franchise. Washington made it clear that they were willing to do whatever it took to land Ford, even if it meant moving up in the draft. The team’s front office had been working behind the scenes to make a trade with either the Bears or Texans, and in a shocking move, Washington pulled off a blockbuster trade with Houston.
In exchange for Washington’s 2024 first-round pick, their 2025 second-round pick, and a package of additional assets, the Commanders moved up to the No. 2 overall pick. The Texans, who had already identified their quarterback of the future, were more than happy to make the deal. With the 2nd overall pick now in their hands, Washington had officially locked in Ryan Ford as their new franchise quarterback.
It was a bold move, but it was one that showed the Commanders were all-in on turning their fortunes around. Ford was their guy, and they weren’t going to let him slip away.
### The Impact of Ryan Ford on the Commanders
The arrival of Ryan Ford immediately changes the trajectory of the Washington Commanders franchise. For one, it provides an answer to the team’s long-standing quarterback problem. No longer will Washington have to rely on stopgap quarterbacks or veterans with limited upside. Ford is the future, and he’s stepping into an environment that is primed for success.
Washington’s roster, led by a stout defense that features players like Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Daron Payne, is one of the most talented in the league. On offense, they have a promising group of skill position players, including rising stars like Terry McLaurin at wide receiver and Antonio Gibson at running back. With a true franchise quarterback in Ford, the Commanders suddenly become a team that other NFC East opponents have to take seriously.
Ford’s arrival also has a significant impact on the team’s coaching staff. Ron Rivera, who has built a reputation as a defensive-minded coach, now has the opportunity to nurture a young quarterback who has the potential to elevate the offense. Rivera has always been known for his calm demeanor and ability to get the best out of his players, and he’ll now have the chance to work closely with Ford to develop him into the superstar many believe he can become.
From a marketing and business perspective, Ford’s signing is also a game-changer. Washington has struggled with fan engagement in recent years, as inconsistent play on the field has led to a lack of excitement around the team. Ford is the type of player who can spark a renewed sense of hope and enthusiasm within the fanbase. His presence will undoubtedly lead to increased ticket sales, merchandise sales, and national attention for the team.
### A New Era Begins
For the Washington Commanders, landing Ryan Ford is not just about getting a new quarterback. It’s about turning the page and starting a new chapter in the franchise’s storied history. It’s about breaking free from the cycle of mediocrity that has plagued them for decades and finally finding a player who can lead them back to the promised land.
Ford is no stranger to high expectations, having dealt with the pressures of being the No. 1 recruit in the nation and leading Alabama to national championships. The transition to the NFL will come with its challenges, but if there’s one thing that Ford has proven throughout his career, it’s that he thrives in big moments.
The road ahead won’t be easy—Ford will need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, and the Commanders’ offensive line will need to give him adequate protection. But with his talent, work ethic, and leadership, Ryan Ford has the potential to be the face of Washington football for years to come.
The Commanders’ quarterback search has finally ended. The five-star QB is here, and with him comes a renewed sense of hope and excitement. Washington’s future has never looked brighter.
