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Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Commanders Star Jayden Daniels Lands Notable Spot in Recent QB Rankings
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Over the years, there have been countless quarterbacks who have entered the NFL and had an immediate impact on their team. That said, few have burst on the scene the way Jayden Daniels did last season. Following an impressive rookie campaign, the rising star finds himself in the same breath as his top counterparts. After drafting him No. 2 overall, the Washington Commanders wasted no time handing the reins over to Daniels. This proved to be a wise decision, as he quickly altered the trajectory of the franchise. In the span of one season, he turned Washington from a rebuilding team to a budding contender in the NFC. In the regular season, Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns en route to leading the Commanders to a 12-5 record. Things didn't end there, as Washington punched their ticket to the postseason. It was there that Daniels proved he is on a path towards stardom in the NFL. Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders looks to throw the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders looks to throw the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, by strong play from Daniels, Washington managed to pull off multiple upsets in the playoffs. They made it all the way to the NFC Championship game, where their Cinderella run came to an end at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. While they were unable to reach the Super Bowl, Daniels and the Commanders still made a huge statement to the rest of the league. Also read: Kevin Durant Sends Message to Commanders Star Jayden Daniels After just one season, Daniels has managed to reach the upper tier of NFL quarterbacks. Earlier this week, ESPN put out the results from a poll of executives, scouts, and coaches about who the top 10 QBs are in the game right now. Daniels landed in the top five, one spot behind multi-time MVP Lamar Jackson. "The kid can read coverages, throw with accuracy and touch to all levels of the field," said an NFL coordinator who prepared for Daniels last season. "Just as dangerous as Lamar and Josh Allen with his legs and has a clutch factor to him because his team already believes that if he has the ball with a chance to win, he's going to find a way. If he repeats anything close to his rookie year, he's no lower than No. 3 on this list next year." Also read: Insider Details Commanders Star's Desired Price Range Amid Holdout Daniels being ranked so high is a testament to the lofty expectations he's facing heading into year two. Following what he showed as a rookie and the Commanders improving the roster around him, the pressure is on to deliver big results in 2025. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
NFL Writer Makes Major Jayden Daniels Claim
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Washington Commanders have to feel good about where they are at regarding their offense—especially when it comes to Jayden Daniels and the quarterback position. Last year, the Commanders invested a major asset in Daniels. With the second-overall pick, the LSU star was sent to Washington. Going that high on a quarterback in the draft meant the Commanders had to get Daniels ready to perform and become the face of the franchise as quickly as possible. With one year in the books, Daniels has gained recognition as a top quarterback in the game. And in the eyes of Bleacher Report's Alex Kay, Daniels is the league's most underpaid quarterback. Read More: Insider Details Commanders Star's Desired Price Range Amid Holdout This has to feel like an obvious statement after seeing the rookie put together a season that not many veterans could match in 2024. In 17 games, Daniels led the Commanders to a 12-5 record. He completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. He threw just nine interceptions. Also, being on the versatile side, Daniels kept the ball on the ground for 148 rushing attempts. He put up starting running back numbers with 891 yards and six touchdowns. With the team success, and the personal stardom, Daniels was easily the choice for the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year. Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Landover, he was a Pro Bowler, and even had an argument to be in the MVP conversation, Daniels is undoubtedly on a valuable contract for the Commanders. He's one of the highest-paid players on his rookie deal, since he was selected so high, but Washington won't have to give him a record-setting deal for a bit, leaving them with a superstar on a team-friendly deal. "Despite this status, his locked-in rookie deal means he's only ranked No. 27 at his position in terms of average annual value, well behind some players who have made far less impact in recent years such as Daniel Jones ($14 million AAV), Justin Fields ($20 million AAV) and Deshaun Watson ($46 million AAV)," Alex Kay wrote. "The Commanders have already begun to capitalize on this affordable deal, which runs through the 2028 season, by loading up on veterans such as Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil to make another run. It's shrewd maneuvering by general manager Adam Peters, who knows he must take advantage of the small window the club has before Daniels goes on to earn what could be a record-setting contract extension well above the $60 million AAV deal Dak Prescott is on." Daniels has a four-year contract, which is worth a total of around $37.7 million, according to Spotrac. In 2025, he'll play on a $2.5 million salary, taking up just $8 million on the cap sheet. To compare, Dak Prescott's cap hit is set at $50 million, while Jalen Hurts' is at $21 million. The pressure gets heavier for Daniels heading into his sophomore season, but the Commanders are quite confident in what he brings to the table. They made plenty of moves to go title-hunting in 2025. If they can take care of business before paying Daniels the big bucks, this early run will be a major success. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Insider Details Commanders Star's Desired Price Range Amid Holdout
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. As training camp looms, the biggest storyline for the Washington Commanders remains wide receiver Terry McLaurin. After opting not to partake in minicamp, he still seems at odds with the organization as he continues his contract holdout. Since being drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft, McLaurin has become a foundational piece of the franchise. He's been a focal point of the offense for years now and elevated his play upon the arrival of the newest cornerstone piece in Jayden Daniels. Now, heading into the final year of his deal, McLaurin wants to be compensated on par with his peers. Over the last half-decade, there have been few receivers in the NFL as consistent as McLaurin. He's racked up at least 1,000 yards every year since 2020, and is fresh off posting a career-high 13 touchdowns. Though he's approaching the age of 30, McLaurin is still more than capable of helping elevate Washington's offense. Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, read: New Discouraging Update on Commanders Star's Holdout Emerges While going live on Bleacher Report earlier this week, Insider James Palmer provided the latest regarding McLaurin's holdout. The two sides remain far apart as they attempt to rectify this situation before the 2025 season gets underway. Palmer noted that McLaurin isn't looking for record-breaking numbers, but wants something on par with the new market for high-end receivers. "They were really far apart in making any sort of progress," Plamer said. " Does he want to reset the market? No. We understand Ja'Marr Chase as that $40 million. But what he's looking at, in my understanding more importantly, is that there's seven players making $30 million or more. You look at a guy whose a No. 2 wide receiver in Tee Higgins that's making about 28. Terry understands that he should be, and I agree with this, in those 30s numbers." #Commanders HC Dan Quinn has remained in contact with WR Terry McLaurin throughout the offseason, per @JamesPalmerTV. McLaurin does not want to reset the market but is looking at the 7 WRs who are paid $30M or more. (🎥:@BleacherReport) — brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) July 10, 2025 Also read: AFC Contender Named as Landing Spot for Commanders Star WR Paying a wide receiver entering his thirties a sizable contract isn't a great position to be in, but the Commanders don't have many options. After making numerous upgrades in the offseason, they are looking to contend right now. However, if Washington is going to reach its ceiling, it'll need McLaurin on the field. If there was ever a time to pay a steep price for a player, it's now while Daniels is still under his rookie contract. Seeing how crucial he's been to the franchise over the years, the Commanders should be willing to give McLaurin what he's worth. Now weeks into this ordeal, the Commanders are running out of time before McLaurin's holdout is lingering in training camp. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
