Jayden Daniels is looking to make the jump from promising young quarterback to established NFL star, and early reports from Washington Commanders training camp suggest he may be ready to do just that.
The third-year quarterback has earned strong reviews during camp and joint practices. Reporters have praised his accuracy, command of the offense, and decision-making from the pocket. Daniels’ injury-plagued 2025 season derailed both him and the Commanders. Now, Washington must determine whether a healthy quarterback and revamped offense can make it an NFC contender again.
Daniels exploded onto the scene as a rookie, making an immediate impact as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. The breakout signal-caller helped create a sense of optimism around a franchise that had rarely experienced sustained success since the Reagan era.
His second season told a much different story. Knee and hamstring injuries cost Daniels time before a dislocated left elbow became the most significant setback. He appeared in only seven games as Washington stumbled to a 5-12 record, just one year after reaching the NFC Championship Game.
Entering Year 3, both Daniels and the Commanders are eager to prove 2025 was an aberration.
Commanders Build Around Jayden Daniels
Washington has attempted to take some of the pressure off its young quarterback. Terry McLaurin returns as the team’s No. 1 receiving threat, complemented by veteran Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal. Running backs Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt provide additional options out of the backfield. Meanwhile, first-time offensive coordinator David Blough is installing a new system.
Unfortunately, Washington’s roster improvements have already suffered a major setback. Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps during training camp and required surgery. There is currently no firm timetable for his return, although Washington remains hopeful he can play again later this season.
Brandon Coleman, who has 17 career starts, is expected to replace him. Washington remains hopeful Tunsil can return later this season. However, the team has not established a firm timetable.
Jayden Daniels Must Take the Next Step
Washington is moving away from the shotgun-heavy approach used under Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders plan to put Daniels under center more frequently. They also intend to feature a more balanced running game. Play-action, motion and quarterback movement will help create favorable matchups.
For Daniels, the challenge isn’t becoming less mobile. It’s becoming less dependent on his mobility.
His ability to escape pressure and turn broken plays into explosive gains makes him difficult to defend. After injuries repeatedly knocked him out of the lineup, however, Daniels must learn when not to run.
Playing under center will place greater emphasis on reading defenses and working through progressions. Daniels must also get the football out on time. He needs to recognize when the spectacular play is available. Sometimes, taking the easy completion—or simply living to play another down—is the better decision.
Can Daniels Lead Washington Back?
Daniels has already demonstrated that he can be the point guard of an explosive offense. His next challenge is becoming its maestro.
That development could determine how quickly Washington rebounds from last season’s collapse. The Commanders went from the NFC Championship Game in Daniels’ rookie season to 5-12 in his second. Losing Tunsil makes the road back more difficult, but Washington has continued investing in the pieces around its franchise quarterback.
Daniels showed everyone his ceiling in Year 1. His second season demonstrated how quickly injuries can change a team’s fortunes. Year 3 should reveal whether he can combine his exceptional athletic ability with the durability, discipline and consistency required of a franchise quarterback.
If he can, Washington’s fall from NFC contender may prove to have lasted only one season.
Was Daniels’ injury-plagued 2025 simply a setback? Will Year 3 determine whether his remarkable rookie season was the beginning of something bigger in Washington?
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