The Washington Commanders are certainly sitting pretty when it comes to their quarterback situation. With Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading the charge and Marcus Mariota as a reliable backup, they're in a strong position.
But does this duo make them the top quarterback room in the NFC? Not quite, according to CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt, who places them at No. 4 in the NFC rankings.
Here's how Hunt's list shakes out for the top eight NFC quarterback rooms:
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Dallas Cowboys
- Washington Commanders
- Green Bay Packers
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
The 49ers' quarterback lineup is impressive with Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and Kurtis Rourke. The Seahawks boast Sam Darnold, who famously led them to a Super Bowl, alongside Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe. Dallas features Dak Prescott with Joe Milton, known for his cannon of an arm, and Sam Howell, who has journeyed through five NFL teams in as many years.
Washington, on the other hand, has a decision to make regarding their third quarterback, either Sam Hartman or rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. Despite the competition, there's a compelling argument that Daniels and Mariota could be the NFC's best duo.
Mariota has proven his mettle over two seasons with the Commanders, playing in 14 games and starting eight. His 64% completion rate, 14 touchdowns, and ability to run the ball make him a formidable asset.
The real wildcard here is Daniels. If he stays healthy, Washington's quarterback situation could be unmatched in 2026. Even with some health concerns, it's hard to argue against them being at least the second-best in the NFC.
Adding to the intrigue, the Commanders are shaking things up with a new offensive strategy. David Blough, now the offensive coordinator, plans to place Daniels under center more often. This shift aims to capitalize on play action, potentially turning it into a potent weapon for the Commanders.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the Commanders' quarterback room is one to watch. With a blend of proven talent and strategic innovation, they might just be poised to climb even higher in the rankings.
In Other News...
Commanders Fans May Be Reconsidering That $96 Million Oweh Gamble
The Commanders did not hesitate when they handed Odafe Oweh a four-year, $96 million contract in free agency, betting big on an edge rusher they believe can lift a pass rush that needed more bite. Former tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen came away impressed with what he saw during the offseason program, and that kind of internal buzz matters when Washington is trying to reshape the front under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Owehs early impression has only added to the optimism around a pass-rush group that has been reinforced in other spots as well. Washington brought in more help to chase quarterbacks, but the real question now is whether Oweh can turn those encouraging spring signs into the kind of consistent pressure that makes the rest of the defense work the way the Commanders envisioned when they made the deal. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders May Finally Have The Right Moment For Ben Sinnott
Washingtons offense is heading into a different phase after David Blough was promoted to offensive coordinator in place of Kliff Kingsbury, and that shift could matter for players beyond the obvious names like Terry McLaurin. Ben Sinnott is one of the more interesting watchpoints, because the second-year tight end is positioned to have a larger role as the Commanders adjust what they want to do structurally and how they want to feature the middle of the field.
Former tight end Logan Paulsen sees a path for Sinnott to benefit from the change in scenery and the change in scheme, even with Chig Okonkwo now in the building. He pointed to the way Trey McBrides role grew after coaching changes in Arizona, which is the kind of comp that hints at opportunity without guaranteeing it. For Sinnott, the question now is less about whether the opening exists and more about how quickly Washington turns it into real production. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Offensive Line Suddenly Has Fans Second Guessing Everything
The Commanders offensive line is drawing a fresh round of scrutiny after a recent all-32 ranking slotted the group 22nd in the league, a reminder that even with some major investment up front, the picture is still a work in progress. Washington has made Laremy Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, and that kind of commitment usually signals stability, but the rest of the unit has been in more of a shuffle than a finished state.
Nick Allegretti is now positioned to handle center after getting a one-year extension, Chris Paul is back on another one-year deal and set to battle Brandon Coleman for the left guard spot, and the front office has clearly left itself room to keep sorting things out. The biggest question for the Commanders is whether the current mix can become a reliable five-man group quickly enough, because the evaluation of this line still seems to hinge on what happens next rather than what has already been settled. [Read more 🡒]