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'He's a star': Why Commanders are expecting a big year for Jayden Daniels in 2026

Jayden Daniels is set to make his return under center as the Washington Commanders kick off their schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon. The third-year passer originally guided Washington to the NFC Championship Game during his 2024 debut campaign, but his sophomore season unraveled due to health issues, leaving him able to finish just four games.

His 2025 campaign ended officially following a Week 14 shutout defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, where he re-damaged a dislocated left elbow while trying to tackle a defender after an interception. With the club sitting at 3-10, the front office sidelined him for the remainder of a dismal 5-12 finish.

While Daniels watched from the sidelines, peer signal-callers Drake Maye, Bo Nix, and Caleb Williams enjoyed deep playoff pushes, yet Daniels insists comparing his trajectory to other members of his draft group provides no extra drive. Teammates like wideout Stefon Diggs and offensive coordinator David Blough remain confident that Daniels will immediately reassert his elite playmaking skills.

Entering year three, the quarterback is focused purely on executing his own game rather than battling shifting public perceptions.