Jayden Daniels
Quarterback #5
Jayden Daniels News
Commanders Head Coach Dismisses Recent Jayden Daniels Controversy
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn downplayed the recent controversy involving quarterback Jayden Daniels and LSU when he spoke with reporters Sunday. Asked whether he and Daniels had discussed the matter, Quinn said he "hasn't followed it a lot," according to Ben Standig. He didn't offer an opinion on the dispute itself, instead pointing to the strong camp Daniels has put together and the leadership he's shown. Daniels' representatives recently sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter regarding the school's use of his name, image and likeness after his former No. 5 was given to cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels addressed the situation Thursday, saying his "sole personal focus" is Commanders football and that he hopes the issues with LSU can be resolved privately. Quinn's answer Sunday stayed in that same football-first lane. Daniels has looked comfortable in Washington's new offense throughout camp, and Quinn previously said the quarterback was ahead of where he expected him to be in taking command of the system.
Aug 16, 2026 11:54 AM EST
Jayden Daniels Not Playing in Friday's Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders will hold out their key starters on Friday, which also includes receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White, and tight end Chig Okonkwo. It remains to be seen if Washington will roll Daniels and the starting unit out there for their second preseason tilt next Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old has recently been in the headlines over a dispute with his alma mater at LSU, but that shouldn't distract fantasy managers from the fact that Daniels has top-five fantasy upside at the QB position in 2026 if he can stay healthy. The former second overall pick was unable to do that last year, starting just seven games and throwing for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. Daniels became a bit more interesting as a high-end bounce-back candidate when the Commanders added Diggs to the fold to give McLaurin help in the passing game.
Aug 14, 2026 1:01 PM EST
Jayden Daniels Issues Personal Statement Regarding LSU Controversy
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels addressed his dispute with LSU on Thursday and made clear he wants the matter handled away from football. In a statement shared on Instagram and reposted by Adam Schefter, Daniels said training camp has been his "number one focus" and that his "sole personal focus is on Commanders' football." He also said he remains grateful for his time at LSU and hopes the issues between his team and the school can be resolved privately. The statement comes after Daniels' representatives sent LSU a cease-and-desist asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness, then requested that LSU return its copy of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2023. Washington's own camp coverage has described Daniels as sharp and increasingly comfortable in the offense, including a strong showing in Wednesday's joint practice with Miami. For fantasy managers, this remains an off-field story.
Aug 13, 2026 11:26 AM EST
Jayden Daniels' Camp Asks LSU to Return Heisman Trophy Copy
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' representatives have asked LSU to return its copy of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2023, according to Matt Moscona. The request is the latest development in Daniels' dispute with the school over sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett wearing No. 5. Moscona also reported that Daniels personally contacted LSU leadership before fall camp to voice his displeasure with the decision. ESPN previously obtained a cease-and-desist letter from Daniels' attorney asking LSU to stop using his name, image and likeness. Pickett was promised No. 5 during his recruitment, and former LSU coach Brian Kelly said he would not issue it last season without Daniels' approval. LSU's current policy allows a number tied to a retired jersey to remain in circulation at the head coach's discretion. Moscona reports LSU has no intention of returning its Heisman copy.
Aug 13, 2026 10:44 AM EST
Jayden Daniels Sends Cease and Desist Letter to LSU
An attorney representing Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has informed LSU that the school can no longer use Daniels' name, image, or likeness, as reported by ESPN's Mark Schlabach. The Tigers recently allowed sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the same number five Daniels wore during his time at LSU. While the number has not been officially retired, Pickett is the first player to wear it since Daniels departed for the NFL in 2024, prompting the letter from his attorney. "Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected," the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said. "His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU." Daniels threw for 3,811 yards and 40 touchdowns in his final season at LSU, adding 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground before the Commanders made him the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Aug 13, 2026 5:13 AM EST
Jayden Daniels as "Accurate as he's Ever Been"
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is having a strong training camp this summer as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued and disappointing 2025 campaign. According to JP Finlay of NBC Sports, offensive coordinator David Blough said that Daniels is "as accurate as he's ever been." "He hasn't missed a beat. We track everything. We've tracked every throw he's made over the last three years. We have metrics to measure all of those statistics. He's completed as many passes as he ever has," Blough said about Daniels adjusting to the offensive changes in 2026. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU nearly led the Commanders to the Super Bowl in his first year in the NFL, but he was a fantasy bust in 2025 while playing in just seven games due to injuries. Daniels could continue to be a durability concern because of his slight frame, but he's proved that his athletic ability (both with his arm and legs) gives him QB1 upside. With veteran Stefon Diggs now in the fold alongside Terry McLaurin, Daniels' stock is rising as a top-five option at the QB position in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Aug 10, 2026 2:46 PM EST
Jayden Daniels: A Boom or Bust QB1 in 2026
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has experienced the highs and lows of the NFL in his first two seasons. In 2024, Daniels won the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year, finished as QB5 in fantasy formats, and helped the Commanders reach their first NFC Championship Game since 1992. The next season was brutal, as Daniels suffered several injuries and the team went 5-12. Now, Daniels will have to operate without his star left tackle, Laremy Tunsil (triceps), who will miss most of the 2026 season. While the former second-overall pick has significant upside, with upgraded weapons and elite rushing ability, his floor is very low. His injury history and potential offensive line concerns make him a high-risk/high-reward option in 2026.
Aug 9, 2026 7:51 PM EST
Jayden Daniels Primed for a Major Bounceback
Washington Commanders veterans report to training camp on Tuesday, and a player looking to put a forgettable 2025 season behind him is quarterback Jayden Daniels. Fighting through injuries, both his own and to his supporting cast, Daniels was limited to only 1,540 combined rushing and passing yards and 10 total touchdowns in his seven games played. By contrast, he threw 12 touchdowns to Terry McLaurin alone during a historical rookie campaign, and with both coming into camp healthy after reportedly working together throughout the offseason, expectations are high that they can recapture some of that magic from 2024. Increased under-center usage in David Blough's system could lead to more big plays in 2026, giving Daniels one of fantasy's highest potential ceilings to go with the rock-solid floor provided by his elite scrambling ability. As RotoBaller's QB3, drafters would do well to treat his disappointing 2025 campaign as more of an outlier than a sign of things to come.
Jul 27, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Is Jayden Daniels Overvalued by Current Redraft ADP?
After an electric 2024 season in which he finished as the QB5 in per-game scoring, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels endured a disastrous follow-up campaign in 2025. Thanks to knee, ankle, and elbow injuries, Daniels played in just seven games. He was not particularly effective when healthy either, throwing for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 278 yards and two scores. Daniels amassed 3,568 passing yards and 891 rushing yards while collecting 31 total touchdowns in 2024, so his dual-threat upside remains as high as any quarterback in the NFL. However, Washington may be more conservative with Daniels as a rusher this season after his injury-marred 2025. Additionally, the Commanders open the year with major questions along their offensive line and without obvious high-end pass-catchers outside of Terry McLaurin. Daniels has overall QB1 potential, but his current redraft ADP of QB3 may be overlooking his significant downside risk.
Jul 14, 2026 10:30 AM EST
Jayden Daniels has a "Long Way to Go" to Master the Offense
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is looking to rebound from an injury-plagued second year in the NFL in 2025, said he has a "long way to go" as he attempts to master the new system of offensive coordinator David Blough, according to John Keim of ESPN. It is the second offensive system that Daniels has had to learn in his first three NFL seasons. Daniels has looked comfortable with his footwork while operating more under center, but he still has plenty to work on. A sprained knee and hamstring and a dislocated left elbow limited him to just seven games in his sophomore campaign, a big change from when he was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 while helping the team to a 12-5 record and its first appearance in the NFC Championship game since 1991. Daniels threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while rushing for 891 yards and six more TDs on the ground. If the former second overall pick out of Louisiana State University can stay on the field in 2026, he's an obvious high-end bounce-back candidate at the QB position. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 3 QB for 2026, behind only Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
Jun 19, 2026 8:55 AM EST
Can Jayden Daniels Still Become the Dynasty QB1?
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels followed up his 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year-winning season with a disappointing, injury-marred campaign in 2025. Now heading into his third season with improved weaponry and a new offensive scheme, Daniels has potentially become one of the best bargains in dynasty. The Commanders have added tight end Chig Okonkwo, running back Rachaad White, and third-round rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams to round out an offense that expects to have two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin back at full health after missing seven games in 2025. With new offensive coordinator David Blough borrowing elements from the Ben Johnson system that he ran as a backup quarterback in Detroit, Daniels is expected to spend more time under center, which should open up the passing game without diminishing what he can do with his legs. A year after coming off the board as early as first overall in some superflex dynasty startups, Daniels has fallen to RotoBaller's dynasty QB3, but is a good bet to work his way back into the QB1 conversation if he can stay healthy in 2026.
Jun 16, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Jayden Daniels Participating in Commanders OTAs
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is participating in OTAs, per Zach Selby of Commanders.com. Daniels battled through myriad injury issues in 2025, as elbow, hamstring, and knee ailments limited him to just seven games played. However, it appears as though the 25-year-old is healthy and fully ready to go entering 2026. Daniels lit up fantasy football with his dual-threat ability as a rookie in 2024, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushing for 891 yards and six scores. If he can stay on the field, he projects as a high-end fantasy QB1 with number one overall quarterback upside. However, Daniels has a track record of shaky health that dates back to his time in college. Washington will also implement a new offensive system in 2026 under new play-caller David Blough and may prioritize keeping Daniels healthy by limiting his rushing attempts. All in all, Daniels projects as a high-risk, high-reward quarterback option for fantasy managers entering 2026.
May 27, 2026 12:50 PM EST
Jayden Daniels' Supporting Cast in Washington Remains Similar Following NFL Draft
After an electric rookie season in 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered through a disastrous sophomore campaign in 2025. Knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries limited him to just seven games played. Daniels also saw his efficiency as both a passer and a rusher drop across the board in the games he was healthy for. He averaged just 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 4.8 yards per carry in 2025, down from 7.4 yards per pass attempt and six yards per carry in 2024. Daniels should enter 2026 fully healthy, which obviously improves his odds for a bounce-back year. However, Washington used its lone selection in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball. While the Commanders did add Clemson wideout Antonio Williams in the third round, they left the offensive line in front of Daniels largely unchanged. Daniels elite dual-threat ability means his dynasty upside remains sky-high. Still, there are question marks around Daniels' supporting cast in Washington heading into his third NFL season.
Apr 26, 2026 9:40 AM EST
Jayden Daniels Could Benefit from Influx of Young Talent
Following a breakout rookie campaign in 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels entered his second season surrounded by the oldest roster in the NFL. Perhaps unsurprisingly, injuries largely derailed Washington's 2025 season. With the Commanders now slated to pick seventh in the upcoming NFL Draft, they are in a prime position to add an offensive weapon to a unit in dire need of difference makers outside of Daniels and the 30-year-old Terry McLaurin. The team has been linked to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love as well as some of the top receivers in the class, and should they add a skill position player with their first pick, Daniels will undoubtedly see his dynasty value spike.
Apr 2, 2026 5:00 PM EST
Jayden Daniels' Suppressed Dynasty Value Makes Him a Buy-Low Candidate
Following a historically great rookie season in 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels went into Year 2 firmly in the conversation for both Dynasty QB1 and the first overall pick in Superflex startups. Following an injury-plagued sophomore season, Daniels is now being drafted around the 1/2-turn in 2026 startups. While his long-term durability becomes an unavoidable concern after missing time with three separate injuries (knee, hamstring, elbow), his fantasy upside is still rare, making him an obvious buy-low candidate for risk-averse managers. His 891 rushing yards as a rookie were the ninth-highest single-season output by a quarterback in NFL history, joining Lamar Jackson and Randall Cunningham as the only players to rush for more than 850 yards while topping 3,000 passing yards.
Mar 15, 2026 10:59 AM EST
Jayden Daniels' Long-Term Durability is in Question After Injury-Marred 2025
After an electric rookie season in 2024 that saw him lead his team to the NFC Championship Game, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels battled through a miserable follow-up campaign in 2025. The 25-year-old suffered a knee injury in Week 2, a hamstring injury in Week 7, a dislocated elbow in Week 9, and finally a season-ending re-aggravation of the elbow injury in Week 14. Overall, Daniels was limited to just seven games played and completed 60.6% of his pass attempts for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 278 yards and two scores on 58 attempts. In addition to the reduced volume, Daniels' efficiency as both a passer and a rusher also suffered. After averaging 7.4 yards per pass attempt and 6.0 yards per rush attempt in 2024, Daniels averaged 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 4.8 yards per rush attempt in 2025. In 2026, former Commanders' assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough will take over for Kliff Kingsbury as Washington's offensive play-caller, throwing some uncertainty into the offensive environment around Daniels. Daniels high-end dual-threat potential means he still carries elite fantasy upside in dynasty formats, but he will have to prove he can stay healthy in 2026.
Feb 11, 2026 6:50 AM EST
Jayden Daniels Disappointed by Departure of Kliff Kingsbury
Key Washington Commanders offensive players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team's decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Daniels vouched for Kingsbury during his season-ending press conference on Monday and was among those "blindsided by the move." Commanders players figured the only way Kingsbury would leave is if he got a head-coaching job, and that's what he's seeking to do this offseason. The 25-year-old Daniels was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 under Kingsbury, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while also rushing for 891 yards and six more TDs in 17 regular-season games. While Washington's offense was still efficient in 2025, Daniels' season was a disappointment after playing in only seven games due to injuries. His fantasy stock is now trending down because of his injuries and the fact that he'll be learning a new offense heading into Year 3.
Jan 6, 2026 1:29 PM EST
Jayden Daniels to be Shut Down for Final Three Games
The Washington Commanders have decided to shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) for the final three games of the 2025 season, sources tell Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Daniels was re-evaluated on Monday and was not cleared, so the Commanders have decided to sit the second-year signal-caller for the rest of the year since they are eliminated from postseason contention. Veteran Marcus Mariota will close out the year running Washington's offense. The 24-year-old missed his seventh game of the year in Sunday's win over the New York Giants. Daniels suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left elbow in Week 9 and didn't return until Week 14, when he aggravated the injury. The former second overall pick had an amazing rookie campaign, but he'll end 2025 with only 1,262 passing yards, eight TDs, and three interceptions in seven games. Daniels could easily bounce back in 2026, but there are some serious concerns about his durability now after he missed time with elbow, hamstring, and knee injuries this year.
Dec 15, 2025 3:33 PM EST
Jayden Daniels Not Cleared for Contact
Correcting a previous report, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Friday that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contact yet, per The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. Daniels suffered a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9 and didn't return until last week's blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings, when Daniels aggravated his elbow injury. The Commanders already ruled Daniels out for the Week 15 game this Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, but they are saying that the door is still open for him to play in the final three weeks of the season if he gains clearance from doctors. In what has been an injury-plagued season for the 24-year-old QB -- the former second overall pick has played in only seven games due to elbow, hamstring, and knee injuries -- it makes sense for the Commanders to just shut him down. For at least another week, veteran Marcus Mariota will make the start under center for the team.
Dec 12, 2025 2:18 PM EST
Jayden Daniels Cleared for Contact
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Friday that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been cleared for contact and "his health will be the driving factor" in determining his status for the final three games of the season, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Daniels returned to action for the first time since dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9 in last Sunday's blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings and aggravated his elbow. The 24-year-old second-year signal-caller will not play this Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, but Washington isn't ruling him out for the final three weeks. After a phenomenal rookie campaign in which he led the Commanders to the NFC Championship, Daniels has been bitten by the injury bug in 2025, playing in only seven games due to elbow, hamstring, and knee ailments. If Daniels does return in the final three weeks, he'll be on the QB1/2 borderline in fantasy football.
Dec 12, 2025 12:53 PM EST
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