Jayden Daniels enjoyed a rookie campaign for the ages in 2024. His blossoming relationship with Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a big reason why.
And it's also why a leading media personality implored Daniels to get involved and speak up for McLaurin as his contract situation gets uglier by the day.
Daniels and McLaurin developed an instant connection. They pushed each other to be better over the summer, raising the bar to get a more polished feel for one another. This resulted in a phenomenal campaign for the duo, who both made the Pro Bowl and achieved individual accolades as the Commanders reached the NFC Championship game.
McLaurin officially handed in a trade request, with no progress being made on an extension. The wideout is demoralized and feels undervalued by the franchise. Adam Peters wants the best deal for the team that gives them insurance in case there is a drop-off at some stage.
Stephen A. Smith urges Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to intervene after Terry McLaurin's trade request
It's a precarious situation. The Commanders won't accept McLaurin's trade demands, but the fact that it's got to this point is disappointing. And Stephen A. Smith from ESPN believes the influence of Daniels could go a long way to resolving the matter successfully.
"Even though he's entering his second year, you shouldn't have a problem with the quarterback speaking up for him. I'm the face of the franchise. I'm the star. This is what we've built. We were just in the NFC Championship game. I'm a young brother growing, and this is a vet who helped me immensely, and he's produced, and he hasn't missed a game in four years. This is a brother I can rely upon, that I can trust. Not just to produce on the field, but to help take a lot of pressure off of me in the locker room. Jayden Daniels might be wise to whisper in the organization's ear."
Stephen A. Smith
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 1, 2025"Even though he's entering his second year, you shouldn't have a problem with the quarterback speaking up for [Terry McLaurin]." 👀
—@stephenasmith explains why Jayden Daniels should speak up for Terry McLaurin pic.twitter.com/IX8pWeZqHj
Daniels has got enough to worry about entering the second season of his pro career. He's got monumental expectations on his shoulders. Other teams will be striving to counteract his threats with a big target on his back. Getting involved in the mess enveloping McLaurin and the franchise is an unwanted distraction he doesn't need.
This is all part of the business. Daniels and everyone else are supporting McLaurin from afar. But as far as throwing their weight around to get this deal done quickly, that's not in anyone's train of thought.
If there was no trust in Peters' credentials, it's a different story. That's not the case, which is also why everyone is still expecting a lucrative extension to be the most likely scenario despite another bold power play from McLaurin to gain additional leverage.
And even if Daniels does decide to have some words with Peters, they'll probably fall on deaf ears.
