Former Notre Dame Quarterback Sam Hartman Signs with Washington Commanders as Undrafted Free Agent

Former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman has secured a spot in the NFL, despite not being drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hartman’s journey to the pros took a positive turn as it was announced shortly after the draft’s conclusion that he had inked a deal with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent.

The Washington Commanders, under the leadership of head coach Dan Quinn, made significant moves this offseason by trading last season’s starter, Sam Howell, to the Seattle Seahawks. Heading into the draft, the Commanders already had three quarterbacks on the roster: Jeff Driskel, Jake Fromm, and Marcus Mariota. During the draft, they added former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick, solidifying Hartman’s opportunity with the team.

Hartman boasts an impressive college career, showcasing his prowess as one of the most prolific passers in college football history. The North Carolina native accumulated 15,656 passing yards, 134 passing touchdowns, 1135 completions, and 1898 attempts throughout his collegiate journey. His combination of passing acumen and rushing abilities places him among the elite in various statistical categories.

After transferring to Notre Dame for the 2023 season from Wake Forest, Hartman delivered a standout performance. In his lone season with the Fighting Irish, he achieved career-best numbers in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating. His impact on the field was evident, guiding Notre Dame to a successful 9-3 record in the regular season.

Hartman’s collegiate career dates back to his freshman year at Wake Forest in 2018, where he immediately made an impact as the starting quarterback. Over the years, he showcased consistent growth, culminating in a remarkable 2022 season with an impressive passing and rushing performance. His decision to forgo Notre Dame’s bowl game highlighted his dedication to preparing for the next stage of his football journey.