Sam Hartman

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Washington secured solid backup quarterback depth by inking Sam Hartman to a $1.0M AAV deal over two years, earning a C+ CVI that reflects fair market value for a developmental signal-caller. At just $2.0M total, this represents a low-risk investment in a young quarterback who showed flashes during his college career at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, though his NFL ceiling remains uncertain given limited professional experience. The two-year structure provides Washington flexibility to evaluate Hartman's progress while maintaining cost control — if he develops into a capable backup or spot starter, the deal becomes a bargain, but if he struggles, the financial commitment is minimal. This contract aligns with how teams typically handle unproven quarterbacks who need seasoning, offering enough guaranteed money to retain talent without breaking the bank. The Commanders get a legitimate camp arm and potential developmental piece at a price point that won't hamstring their salary cap, making this a sensible depth move that could pay dividends if Hartman's college production translates to the professional level.

Performance Analysis

Sam Hartman enters the NFL as an undrafted developmental quarterback with no regular-season snaps and an uphill climb to prove he belongs. His current-season numbers are historically poor even by rookie standards, earning him a D+ overall grade. Most developmental quarterbacks at this stage struggle, but Hartman's early returns raise legitimate questions about his readiness. His 29.9 passer rating sits far below the NFL average of 77.2, and a 54.3 completion percentage trails the league benchmark of 64.2 percent meaningfully. At 4.5 yards per attempt against an NFL average of 6.9, he's not generating enough downfield production to stress defenses. His 69.0 passing yards per game is alarming, reflecting limited opportunity but also limited efficiency when given chances. The trajectory tells a concerning story — he graded D+ in 2024 and has slipped to an F in 2025, which is the wrong direction for a young quarterback seeking a foothold. Comparisons to late-round developmental prospects like David Blough or Kyle Sloter feel apt, players who showed flashes but couldn't sustain consistency. Hartman's college pedigree at Wake Forest and Notre Dame suggests some foundational processing ability, but the professional game has exposed real limitations quickly. For Hartman to salvage a long-term roster spot, he must improve accuracy and decision-making before next preseason. Scouts will watch whether he can push his completion rate toward 60 percent and his yards per attempt above 6.0 in controlled environments. Without meaningful improvement, his NFL window could close before it fully opens.

Current Sentiment

Sam Hartman enters the 2026 season firmly entrenched as a backup quarterback with limited leverage on the Washington Commanders' depth chart, where Jayden Daniels has been unambiguously established as the franchise cornerstone. The Commanders' decision to rest Daniels for the final three games of the 2025 season underscores the organization's long-term investment in their starter, leaving Hartman with minimal opportunity to distinguish himself in meaningful game situations. Washington's selection of Athan Kaliakmanis at quarterback in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft introduces additional competition at the bottom of the roster, further complicating Hartman's path to a secure roster spot. Media coverage of Hartman remains largely incidental, with his name appearing primarily in roster-overview contexts rather than as a subject of genuine quarterback competition or developmental intrigue. Fan and analyst perception reflects a player fighting for a practice-squad or emergency-backup role rather than a legitimate NFL starter, and his trajectory heading into 2026 carries meaningful roster-cut risk absent a strong preseason performance.