Jayden Daniels is coming for the spotlight that was taken from him during his rookie NFL season with the Washington Commanders.

Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback from Arizona State, is set to battle for a bigger role in Washington’s offense after a 2025 campaign that saw him struggle with turnovers and injuries. The Commanders drafted Daniels with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his first season ended with just 1,200 passing yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. Now, with a full offseason to refine his mechanics and decision-making, Daniels is pushing to earn more trust from coaches and teammates.

What happened to Jayden Daniels in 2025?

Jayden Daniels entered the NFL as the highest-drafted rookie quarterback since Trevor Lawrence in 2021, but his rookie year fell short of expectations. He completed just 58.3% of his passes, threw six interceptions against five touchdowns, and missed time with a high-ankle sprain. The Commanders leaned on Jacoby Brissett early, limiting Daniels to spot duty before benching him entirely in Week 12. By the end of the season, fans and analysts questioned whether the Commanders had made a mistake drafting him so high.

Why 2026 matters for Jayden Daniels

The 2026 offseason is Daniels’ chance to silence critics. He spent the winter working with quarterback coach Ken Dorsey—before Dorsey’s suspension—and refining his footwork to cut down on sacks. Commanders coach Dan Quinn has repeatedly praised Daniels’ arm talent but stressed the need for consistency. With Brissett now in New England, Daniels has an open path to the starting lineup, but he’ll face competition from veteran Jake Fromm in training camp. The stakes are high: if Daniels stumbles again, Washington may look elsewhere in 2027.

What comes next for Jayden Daniels?

Daniels’ first real test arrives in the preseason opener on August 8, 2026. A strong performance could lock in the No. 2 role behind veteran starter Jayden Daniels—yes, the same name—Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels is fighting for. If not, the pressure will mount quickly. The Commanders’ front office has already invested heavily in Daniels, and another disappointing year could force a reevaluation of their long-term plan at quarterback. For now, Daniels is focused on proving he belongs in the NFL’s next wave of stars.

The spotlight is back up for grabs—and Jayden Daniels isn’t about to let it slip away again.