Washington is going into the offseason with a clear answer at quarterback.

Commanders coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday during an interview with PFT Live that former North Carolina standout Sam Howell is the team’s starting quarterback and he will get every opportunity to retain that status in offseason camp.

“The biggest thing we decided is he will start out as QB1,” Rivera said. “He will most certainly get the first opportunity. We go into OTAs and minicamp, he’ll be QB1. He’ll fight for that position. We’ll give him every opportunity to earn it, and we’ll see what happens when we get into training camp and through it.”

Asked if the Commanders wanted to bring in a quarterback who could potentially take that starting spot away from Howell, Rivera said they will merely look for a backup that is going to push Howell and help him develop but they do not want to invest major capital into a quarterback.

“We want to find the right situation — a guy that can come in and be that supporting guy that can really help him grow and become the guy that gives you an opportunity to win football games,” Rivera said, per PFT Live.

The Commanders were linked to Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson last offseason, when they spent a 5th-round draft pick on Howell.

Howell appeared just once in 2022 — a start in Week 18 against Dallas. The Commanders won 26-6 as Howell completed 11 of his 19 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

He threw for 10,283 yards and 92 touchdowns in three seasons with the Tar Heels. For a time, he was regarded as a 1st-rounder. It appears the Commanders are going to give him every chance to make good on that potential.