Jayden Daniels has put together a rookie campaign for the ages that's not over yet. But regardless of how things go from here on, the future is incredibly bright either way.
The Washington Commanders are a different organization these days. Daniels' flawless transition and ability to handle every occasion with supreme confidence and poise played a significant role in their renaissance. And it's only going to get better in the coming years.
Daniels has the world at his feet. He's a dynamic force and carries himself like a franchise signal-caller. Everyone is fully behind him and the Commanders are in a good position to maximize his rookie contract before he becomes extension-eligible in 2027.
The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU put the league on notice. Others are taking note and believe his immediate success is sustainable. Daniels also has the mentality to ensure complacency doesn't become an issue.
NFL executives believe Commanders QB Jayden Daniels can win league MVP in 2025
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN gauged opinion on Daniels around the league. Executives he spoke to believe the signal-caller will propel himself into legitimate NFL MVP consideration in 2025. One unnamed front-office figure even labeled the dual-threat with a rare tag after his sensational start.
"He's scary. He's never rattled and elevates everyone around him. I hate to use the word 'generational,' but it really looks like he's that."
NFC executive via ESPN
The generational tag gets thrown about too readily. Trevor Lawrence and Caleb Williams got this hype before entering the pros. Washington also knows how this can go sour after taking Chase Young — a generational defensive end prospect out of Ohio State — with the No. 2 overall selection in 2020.
However, there's something different about Daniels.
He takes nothing for granted. He prepares meticulously and leaves no stone unturned. Daniels never cheats the game, taking the responsibility of leading an NFL giant seriously. This won the respect of veteran teammates and enabled him to stay composed amid the chaos.
There are countless examples of rookie quarterbacks starting well in Year 1 before falling flat. Even Daniels' good friend C.J. Stroud regressed this season with the Houston Texans. It can happen to anyone if standards slip.
But again, Daniels is built differently.
The Commanders didn't just draft Daniels because of his on-field prowess. That was a big reason, of course, but his mentality won them over throughout their comprehensive pre-draft evaluations. They felt he had the leadership and aura to kick-start an exciting era of change.
They were right.
One could make a strong case for Daniels being the most valuable player this season. He won't win the award — that'll be Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for the third time. Even so, nobody has meant more to their franchise.
The Commanders are only going to improve their personnel this offseason. Players will want to come and play with Daniels. If the electrifying presence under center kicks on with additional development before the 2025 campaign, Washington will be right in the thick of things once again.
If this happens, Daniels will go from a feel-good story and rookie of the year to a genuine NFL MVP candidate. Something executives around the league believe will come to fruition sooner rather than later.
