Jayden Daniels Named Commanders’ Starting Quarterback, Coach Dan Quinn Says

WASHINGTON—In a move that has stirred excitement and optimism among Washington Commanders fans, head coach Dan Quinn announced on Monday that rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been named the team’s starter for the upcoming NFL season. The decision, which comes after weeks of speculation and a highly competitive preseason, marks a significant milestone in Daniels’ young career and sets the stage for what could be a transformative season for the franchise.

Daniels, a standout at LSU, was selected by the Commanders in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and his performance during training camp and preseason games quickly caught the attention of both coaches and fans. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Daniels has shown remarkable poise, accuracy, and mobility, qualities that Quinn believes will elevate the Commanders’ offense to new heights.

“Jayden has demonstrated everything we’re looking for in a starting quarterback,” Quinn told reporters during a press conference at the team’s training facility. “His work ethic, leadership, and ability to make plays under pressure have really stood out. We believe he gives us the best chance to win and to compete at the highest level.”

The decision to start Daniels was not made lightly. Throughout the preseason, he faced stiff competition from veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was signed in the offseason to provide experience and stability to the position. Brissett, who has had stints with several teams in the league, was seen as a strong contender for the starting role, especially given his familiarity with the NFL’s pace and complexity. However, Daniels’ dynamic playmaking ability and rapid adaptation to the professional game ultimately swayed the coaching staff in his favor.

During the preseason, Daniels showcased his versatility, completing 67% of his passes while also making significant gains on the ground. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with a strong arm capable of making deep throws, has injected a sense of excitement into the Commanders’ offense. In one notable preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Daniels threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, further solidifying his status as the team’s most promising option under center.

Quinn acknowledged that while Daniels’ potential is evident, there will be a learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of regular-season NFL defenses. “We know there will be challenges ahead,” Quinn said. “Jayden is a young quarterback, and he’s going to face some tough situations. But we’re confident in his ability to learn and grow with each game.”

For Daniels, the opportunity to start as a rookie is the culmination of years of hard work and determination. After a stellar college career at both Arizona State and LSU, where he led the Tigers to a strong finish in his final season, Daniels entered the NFL with high expectations. His selection by the Commanders was seen as a potential turning point for a franchise that has struggled to find consistent success at the quarterback position in recent years.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named the starter,” Daniels said in a brief statement following the announcement. “I’m grateful to Coach Quinn and the entire coaching staff for believing in me. I’m ready to give everything I’ve got for this team and this city.”

The announcement has also generated a buzz among Commanders fans, who are eager to see if Daniels can bring a new era of success to the team. The Commanders have not had a stable presence at quarterback since the days of Robert Griffin III, and the hope is that Daniels can finally provide the consistency and playmaking ability that the team has lacked.

Despite the excitement surrounding Daniels, Quinn emphasized that the team’s success will depend on more than just the quarterback. “This is a team sport, and it’s going to take all of us working together to achieve our goals,” Quinn said. “Jayden is a big part of that, but we need everyone—offense, defense, and special teams—firing on all cylinders.”

As the Commanders prepare for their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, all eyes will be on Daniels as he steps onto the field as the team’s starting quarterback. The pressure will be immense, but if his preseason performance is any indication, Daniels appears ready to rise to the occasion. The journey from college star to NFL starting quarterback is never easy, but with the full support of his coaches, teammates, and fans, Jayden Daniels is poised to make his mark in the NFL.