Kliff Kingsbury
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Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury knows there's a quarterback battle brewing with the Washington Commanders.
Kliff Kingsbury knows there’s a quarterback battle brewing for the Washington Commanders, and the offensive coordinator has already put one of the participants on notice.
The play-caller pointed out second-year pro Sam Hartman “has all the ability — smart, good footwork, solid arm — just a couple plays (where he’s) got to take better care of the football,” per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.
It’s a warning of sorts for Hartman, at a time when the former undrafted free agent finds himself embroiled in “a quarterback battle this year — for third string.” Jhabvala gives the edge to 39-year-old Josh Johnson, a veteran of 13 teams, because of his “experience — nine years worth, including three starts in Washington in 2018. Hartman’s camp has so far been ‘up and down,’ as Kingsbury described it.”
A less than flattering description of his performances at training camp doesn’t bode well for Hartman, but Kingsbury is still prepared to give the ex-Notre Dame star a chance. The OC noted how Hartman “didn’t practice much in the spring. With his arm coming back off that shoulder surgery, he’s still getting back in the rhythm. But I’m excited to watch him in the preseason. I think he’s the guy who’s always on on game day.”
Being “on” when the games begin should help Hartman during exhibition contests. If he distinguish himself from Johnson, the 26-year-old will earn a spot as next man up behind Marcus Mariota and marquee starter Jayden Daniels.
Sam Hartman Must Solve Sneaky Problem for Commanders
Mariota proved a capable deputy when Daniels suffered a rib injury last season, and the veteran has continued to embrace the backup role, so his job’s not in jeopardy. Yet, the dual-threat nature of both Mariota and Daniels means Commanders’ QBs will take more hits than most, so the third-string role is an important one.
Hartman can solve this sneaky problem by delivering this preseason. He has the arm talent and mobility, evidenced by this impressive throw on the move highlighted at training camp.
What Hartman needs is to stay healthy and demonstrate greater consistency. There’s an opening if he can because the Commanders needed to promote him when Mariota was injured at the start of last season, but reliability will be key.
Being ready to go when called upon has kept Johnson in the NFL for almost a decade.
Josh Johnson Knows What Commanders Need From Backup
Johnson understands what’s required from a reserve signal-caller. Things like putting in the work with fringe receivers on the roster who are vying for more catches.
It’s something both Johnson and Mariota have already been doing to help rookie free agent Ja’Corey Brooks, a camp standout, per Commanders.com Senior Writer Zach Selby.
Ja’Corey Brooks, who has stood out over the past two days, staying long after practice is over to get more reps with Mariota and Josh Johnson pic.twitter.com/VZO4eBDmIS
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 24, 2025
Finding ways to be useful is the life of a backup quarterback, particularly the third-string. Whether it’s working with the scout team, discussing film with starters or helping communicate plays on game-day.
Johnson is well-versed in all of these things. He’s also a more proven passer than Hartman, something the Commanders know all about after being on the wrong end of Johnson’s skills during the 2023 preseason.
Then a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson burned Washington’s defense with this pinpoint, back-shoulder scoring strike.
Throws like this are why Johnson’s made nine starts during his career. There’s a reason the Commanders signed this journeyman in free agency, for the want of a dependable in-case-of emergencies option at football’s most important position.