RADIO
Jayden Daniels Faces Stiff Test in Philly to Open Season
Washington Commanders third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels is coming off a disappointing sophomore campaign that was derailed by injuries. The 25-year-old started only seven games and only played four full games, and his completion percentage fell from the historic 69% mark in his rookie season to 60.6% in 2025. Daniels enters the 2026 regular season fully healthy and motivated to produce with a revamped pass-catching group, headlined by the addition of veteran WR Stefon Diggs, along with third-round rookie WR Antonio Williams, TE Chig Okonkwo, and RB Rachaad White. The loss of star LT Laremy Tunsil (triceps) is a major blow, but Daniels also led Washington to a top-5 offense without him two seasons ago. The LSU product faces a strong challenge on the road in Philadelphia in Week 1, where he last took the field more than one season ago in the 2024-25 NFC Championship Game. Facing the vaunted Super Bowl-winning Eagles defense three times as a rookie, Daniels averaged 24.29 fantasy points per game in those matchups. The Eagles' defense again looks primed to be one of the best in football after allowing the fewest passing touchdowns last season, but Daniels still projects favorably due to his dual-threat ability. Daniels ranks as RotoBaller's QB12 for Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels Primed for a Bounce-Back Season in 2026
Washington Commanders third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, out of LSU, had a down season in 2025 after his rookie campaign, in which he finished as the QB5 while rushing for 891 yards and throwing for 3,568 yards, and led the Commanders to the NFC title game. His 2025 season was derailed by multiple injuries, and he played in only seven games. Daniels is healthy entering the 2026 season with an improved receiving group. The Commanders brought in Stefon Diggs over the Patriots, Chig Okonkwo from the Titans, and Terry McLaurin is healthy entering the season. Diggs remained efficient on a per-route basis with the Patriots last season, and McLaurin had a career year with Daniels in 2024, when he had 1,096 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 117 targets. Daniels still has elite rushing upside and should bounce back in a big way this season. RotoBaller ranks Daniels as the QB4 for the season and the 60th overall player off the board.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels, Commanders Offense Have Brutal Day Against Ravens
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and the starting offense had a miserable joint practice against Baltimore on Wednesday. Nicki Jhabvala called it the worst she has seen the Commanders' offense look in years and described the offensive line as "inoperable." Washington was shorthanded up front, which matters here. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil remains out after undergoing surgery for a torn triceps, center Nick Allegretti is dealing with a calf injury, and right guard Sam Cosmi missed Wednesday's work because of an illness. The Commanders signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries on Wednesday, but he obviously wasn't going to fix everything overnight. Daniels played only seven games last season, throwing for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 278 rushing yards and two scores. One ugly August practice isn't a reason to knock Daniels far down draft boards, but Washington's battered offensive line is becoming a legitimate concern with Week 1 approaching.
Source: Nicki Jhabvala
Source: Nicki Jhabvala
Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Stefon Diggs Expected to Play Saturday
The Washington Commanders have listed 15 players who will not participate in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Lions, but NFL Insider Adam Schefter notes that among the starters expected to see action are quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs. After sitting out the preseason opener against the Dolphins, Saturday's tilt will provide the first look at Daniels and crew in first-year offensive coordinator David Blough's system, which should bear a resemblance to the one he ran in Detroit as a backup quarterback. While Diggs topped 1,000 receiving yards in his lone season with the Patriots in 2025, both Daniels and McLaurin struggled through injuries in their second season together. Still, big things are expected in a potential bounce-back year in 2026, and Daniels is RotoBaller's QB3 while McLaurin and Diggs are respectively the WR24 and WR44.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
No Determination Made on Whether Jayden Daniels Will Play Saturday
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and the rest of his staff have yet to decide whether or not quarterback Jayden Daniels will play in the team's second preseason game. Ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Lions, Quinn met with the media and shared that "a good amount of starters" will get some playing time, but that he would look at each player on a case-by-case basis, according to senior team writer Zach Selby. Daniels is a player on whom a determination has yet to be made, as Quinn wants to know the health of the players around him first. Daniels is looking to bounce back from a disappointing, injury-marred second season, and by all accounts, he has looked sharp and decisive in new offensive coordinator David Blough's under-center system. The former second overall pick and 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year is RotoBaller's QB3.
Source: Zach Selby
Source: Zach Selby
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.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Marcus Mariota Suffers Sprained MCL, Likely Out for Rest of Preseason
Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Miami Dolphins that will likely keep him out for the rest of the preseason, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It's unclear at this time if Mariota's knee injury will keep him sidelined going into Week 1 of the 2026 regular season versus the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13. Either way, the Commanders might be in the market for a veteran signal-caller to provide more depth behind starter Jayden Daniels. The other QBs on the roster are Sam Hartman and undrafted rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. The 32-year-old Mariota played a big part in the Commanders' offense a year ago with Daniels only playing in seven games due to injury, although he went 2-6 in his eight starts while throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11 total games played.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Marcus Mariota Suffers Knee Injury in Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) was pointing to his right knee when athletic trainers came out to check on him during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was sent to the blue medical tent and was replaced by Sam Hartman at QB. The 32-year-old signal-caller played in 11 games and made eight starts in 2025 in his second year in Washington, with starter Jayden Daniels only starting seven games. Mariota went 2-6 in his eight starts, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11th year in the NFL. The Commanders' QB depth behind Daniels would be in serious trouble if Mariota is dealing with a major knee injury, as they only have Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis on the QB depth chart behind Mariota. He almost certainly will not return to Friday's game against Miami, even if his knee injury turns out to be minor.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
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.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
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.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
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.
Source: Matt Moscona
Source: Matt Moscona
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.
Source: Mark Schlabach
Source: Mark Schlabach
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.
Source: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay
Source: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay
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.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
