Washington Commanders’ season ticket holders received a letter from team president Jason Wright on Wednesday regarding a price increase for 2024.
The average season ticket price will increase by 8.9%, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
The Post received a copy of that letter, in which Wright outlines the improvements the Commanders continue to make to FedEx Field — they invested $40 million after new ownership assumed control of the team in July — and what can be expected in 2024.
Here’s an excerpt of that letter, courtesy of Jhabvala:
Commanders season ticket holders received a letter from team president Jason Wright as part of their renewal notice today. Included in that letter: pic.twitter.com/RBP1vxZsZo
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 6, 2023
Numerous season ticket holders were obviously upset about the rate increase, mainly since Josh Harris and his ownership group just bought the team in July.
What stood out most in Wright’s letter was the mention of quarterback Sam Howell.
Was Wright’s analysis his own? Did the praise come from someone on the football side, such as head coach Ron Rivera or general manager Martin Mayhew? Or did ownership craft the letter?
If it’s the latter, that could indicate what the new ownership group thinks of Howell moving forward.
The second-year quarterback has had his share of ups and downs this season, but his play has been a bright spot overall. After a solid three-game stretch from Weeks 8-10, Howell has struggled a bit over the past three games. With the Commanders almost assured of landing a top-five pick, selecting a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft is a high possibility.
Washington’s primary concern is upgrading the offensive line. Howell has been sacked 58 times, some of which is on him, but anyone who watches the Commanders understands pass protection was an issue before the season began.
Howell will enter 2024 in the third year of a cheap rookie contract. Of course, he will be on the roster. Does that mean he will be competing with a rookie, or will the Commanders sign another veteran, like Jacoby Brissett, to back up Howell and build the roster around him?
There’s a good chance that Harris will turn over the entire front office and coaching staff. If a new regime likes Howell, that’s good news for the Commanders. But Harris isn’t the type of owner to stand in the way of potential new hires if they want to upgrade the quarterback position.
The 2024 offseason will be critical for Washington as it will shape the franchise for years to come.
