Dan Quinn puts firm trust in Jayden Daniels despite not announcing the rookie as Commanders’ starting quarterback

It remains a question of who will start on the gridiron between Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

Dan Quinn puts firm trust in Jayden Daniels despite not announcing the rookie as Commanders’ starting quarterback

Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn (Via Imago)

It wasn’t long ago when the Washington Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn claimed rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needs a lot of progress. But judging from his progress in the training camp, he is exactly where Quinn wanted him a few months post-draft.

When the Commanders drafted Daniels using the second overall pick, it was highly anticipated that he was going to be a starter. However, the team still hasn’t named a franchise quarterback, not to mention the starter for week 1 of the 2024 regular season. It appears the franchise is taking baby steps with the rookie quarterback, not immediately burdening him with the responsibilities of the NFL’s most crucial position.

While discussing the matter, head coach Quinn acknowledged the LSU product’s progress in the offense and praised him for conducting himself like a franchise quarterback. However, despite the high praise, Quinn also admitted that Daniels hasn’t yet proven himself ready for the starting job.

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He’s got a swagger to him. He really has a very firm handle on the things that we’re doing, but he also has the humility of a young player... knowing that he has a lot to prove.
Dan Quinn said via ESPN

Although it remains a question of who will start the game for the Commanders between Daniels and Marcus Mariota, the odds for the rookie is higher. However, this will depend on whether he continues to progress in training camp and preseason.

Commanders confirm signing Jayden Daniels in four-year deal

During the mandatory minicamp, the former LSU star quarterback signed a four-year rookie deal with the Commanders worth $37.7 million, as his agent revealed to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Later, the franchise also confirmed the signing.

Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels (via IMAGO)

This rookie deal covers the quarterback through the 2027 season. His first contract will be including a fifth-year option that the franchise may use for the 2028 NFL season.

The whole $37.7 million is guaranteed in the reigning Heisman winner’s contract. He is coming off a college football season recording 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns along with only four interceptions. Fans will hope to watch him carry that form in his first NFL season.

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