Jayden Daniels gave Commanders fans a brief scare on Sunday when he exited the game after landing on his previously injured elbow. But head coach Dan Quinn was quick to ease concerns, telling reporters that the rookie quarterback was held out as a precaution and that the team still expects him to play again this season.
That’s good news for Washington, because Daniels has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise up-and-down season. The 24-year-old has shown flashes of why he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, balancing poise in the pocket with the kind of mobility that keeps defenses guessing. He was cleared to play ahead of Week 14, and the team is clearly taking a cautious approach with their franchise quarterback - as they should.
Daniels’ journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary. He began his college career at Arizona State before transferring to LSU, where he exploded onto the national stage. His 2023 season in Baton Rouge was nothing short of electric, culminating in a Heisman Trophy that solidified his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football.
Since arriving in Washington, Daniels has stepped into the spotlight with confidence. Through seven games in 2025, he’s completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,262 yards, throwing eight touchdowns against just three interceptions.
But what really sets him apart is his ability to make plays with his legs. He’s added 262 rushing yards and two scores on 54 carries - a reminder that he’s not just a passer, but a dual-threat weapon who can change the game in multiple ways.
Daniels is playing on a four-year rookie deal worth just under $38 million, including a hefty $24.3 million signing bonus. His cap hit for 2025 sits at just over $8.5 million, and the Commanders hold a fifth-year option that could keep him in Washington through the 2028 season.
For a franchise still looking to establish a long-term identity under center, Daniels has given them reason to believe. The numbers don’t tell the whole story - it’s the way he commands the huddle, the way he extends plays, and the flashes of brilliance that suggest the Commanders may have finally found their guy.
With Daniels expected to return this season, all eyes will be on how he finishes out the year. If he can stay healthy and continue to build on what he’s shown so far, Washington might just be laying the foundation for something special.