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.
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 career2025 Season · Passing
7 games played▶Passing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CMP | ATT | YDS | TD | INT | RTG | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | commanders | 2 | 29 | 51 | 260 | 3 | 0 | 90.3 | 59.6 |
| 2025 | commanders | 7 | 114 | 188 | 1,262 | 8 | 3 | 88.1 | 44.7 |
| 2024 | commanders | 17 | 331 | 480 | 3,568 | 25 | 9 | 100.1 | 67.7 |
▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | commanders | 2 | 12 | 100 | 8.3 | 0 | 20 |
| 2025 | commanders | 7 | 58 | 278 | 4.8 | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 | commanders | 17 | 148 | 891 | 6.0 | 6 | 46 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Quarterback
- Group
- offense
- College
- LSU
- Hometown
- San Bernardino, CA, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
Latest news about Jayden Daniels
All news →AI Predicts Every Week 3 Game of the 2026 NFL Season
After a 10-of-16 Week 2 in which two of five high-confidence picks missed, the model picks all 16 Week 3 games, from Michael Penix Jr.'s debut at Lambeau on Thursday to Eagles-Bears on Monday night with Caleb Williams likely out.
Jayden Daniels Opts for Brace Over Surgery, Could Return From Elbow Dislocation in London
Update: Daniels chose a brace and rehab over surgery, practiced on a limited basis in England and says he is taking it day by day. His status for Sunday's game against Indianapolis in London is uncertain.
Cowboys Rout Commanders 37-20 in Week 2
Dallas Cowboys 37, Washington Commanders 20 at AT&T Stadium. Dak Prescott went 26 of 31 for 279 yards with 4 touchdowns.
Eagles Edge Commanders 24-22 in Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles 24, Washington Commanders 22 at Lincoln Financial Field. Jalen Hurts went 14 of 25 for 203 yards with 3 touchdowns.
C.J. Stroud and Texans Table Extension Talks Until After the Season
Both sides tried to finish a deal before Week 1 and agreed to wait, with a quarterback market that could push past $70 million a year in 2027 working in Stroud's favor.
Malik Willis Impresses in Debut as Commanders' Mariota Exits Injured
Willis led a 93-yard touchdown drive in his lone series for Miami, while Washington's backup quarterback suffered a sprained MCL that's expected to sideline him for the rest of the preseason.
