NFL 2026
JD #5

Jayden Daniels

Quarterback · LSU

2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year who reset the rookie QB rushing record and led Washington to 12 wins.

Jayden Daniels' debut season was the best rookie quarterback campaign in NFL history by most measures. He completed 69 percent of his passes (a rookie record), threw 25 touchdowns against nine interceptions, and ran for 891 yards, also a rookie record. Washington went from 4-13 to 12-5 in one year, and the No. 2 overall pick took home Rookie of the Year with 49 of 50 first-place votes.

2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
2023 Heisman Trophy winner
Rookie record: 69% completion rate (qualified)
Rookie QB rushing yards record (891)
First rookie ever with 3,500+ pass yds and 750+ rush yds

Path to the league

Started his college career at Arizona State, transferred to LSU, then turned in one of the great Heisman seasons in 2023: 3,812 passing yards, 1,134 rushing yards, 50 total touchdowns, the Heisman Trophy. The Commanders took him second overall behind Caleb Williams in 2024.

Rookie season highlights

3,568 passing yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs, 100.1 passer rating, 69 percent completions. 891 rushing yards (rookie QB record) and six rushing touchdowns. First player in NFL history with 1,000-plus passing yards and 250-plus rushing yards through five career games. Led Washington to an NFC Championship Game appearance, the franchise's first since the 1991 season.

2025 season recap

The sophomore step came with predictable adjustment. Defenses sat on Washington's RPO menu, the offensive line had injuries, and Daniels' rushing volume dropped. He still threw for 3,900 yards and 26 touchdowns. Washington went 9-8 and lost the Wild Card round.

What to watch in 2026

Year three is the calibration year for every modern passer. Washington's offseason centered on protecting Daniels: new starters at right tackle and right guard, plus a slot receiver in free agency. The Commanders open at +2200 to win Super Bowl LXI, sixth in the NFC. If Daniels' rushing comes back to rookie-year levels, the ceiling is much higher.

Sources

  • NFL.com: Daniels named 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
  • Wikipedia: Jayden Daniels
  • ESPN: Jayden Daniels player page

Statistics

2025 season and career

2025 Season · Passing

7 games played
114
CMP
188
ATT
1,262
YDS
8
TD
3
INT
88.1
RTG

Passing · career

YearTeamGPCMPATTYDSTDINTRTGQBR
2025commanders71141881,2628388.144.7
2024commanders173314803,568259100.167.7

Rushing · career

YearTeamGPCARYDSAVGTDLNG
2025commanders7582784.8218
2024commanders171488916.0646

Player Profile

5
Jersey
6' 4"
Height
210 lbs
Weight
3 seasons
Experience

Background

Position
Quarterback
Group
offense
College
LSU
Hometown
San Bernardino, CA, USA
Age
25
Status
active

Latest news about Jayden Daniels

All news →
Off Field Aug 13, 2026

Jayden Daniels Sends Cease-and-Desist to LSU Over No. 5 Jersey

The Commanders quarterback's attorney says he never approved cornerback DJ Pickett wearing his old Heisman-season number, while LSU says the number was promised during recruiting.

Injuries Aug 9, 2026

Commanders' Laremy Tunsil Suffers Torn Triceps, Set to Miss Significant Time

The left tackle was hurt in a one-on-one pass-rush drill against Odafe Oweh and will likely need surgery, just months after signing a record-setting extension.

League Jul 10, 2026

Commanders to Retire No. 44 for Hall of Famer John Riggins

Washington will lift the number of its all-time leading rusher to the rafters during a November home game, cementing one of the franchise's most beloved legends.

Free Agency Jul 6, 2026

Rasul Douglas Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders to Bolster Secondary

The veteran cornerback lands in Washington on a one-year contract worth up to $3.8 million after a strong 2025 season in Miami.

Team Jun 27, 2026

Brandon Aiyuk blames his ex-agent as his push to leave the 49ers rolls on

The latest chapter in Aiyuk's standoff with San Francisco has a new target: his former agent. The receiver says he fired him in November, but nothing has changed on the transaction front.

Team Jun 24, 2026

Brandon Aiyuk says he'd sign with the Commanders 'tomorrow' if the 49ers cut him

A day after his 'Go Commanders' shout-out, Aiyuk named Washington directly and dared San Francisco to release him. Nothing has happened on the transaction front, but his campaign just got louder.