Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Must Change Mindset originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Things changed overnight for the Washington Commanders franchise. Some people believe that change happened when Josh Harris bought the team.

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Others credited the hiring decisions of both Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.

But in a very real way …

The world changed when second-overall pick Jayden Daniels was drafted for Washington last season. Almost overnight, the Commanders found a quarterback who was one of the best in the league.

His infectious personality helped transform the entire organization from one of the hunters in the league to one of the hunted.

“That’s the type of team and energy that we damn sure want,” Quinn said on The Green Light with Chris Long podcast. “He’s got a really cool blend of confidence and humility.

“He can vibe with the teammates in the same way, but like … he is a stone cold, get-after-it killer in terms of preparation, what to do, and how to go after it.”

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Daniels led Washington to 12 wins last season and their first appearance in the NFC Title game in over three decades. He was able to help the Commanders become one of the most electric offenses in the game.

Now, the mindset has shifted. Washington will no longer be able to surprise teams this year, and there will be no more upsets.

The Commanders have a Super Bowl team. Their quarterback is at the forefront of that.

While the rest of the NFL tries to match up against Washington, Daniels is making sure the rest of his team is ready for tougher opponents and matchups and can rise above it all.

That’s what championship teams do, after all.

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Related: Commanders Media Bizarre Criticism of Cowboys Offseason

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.

ASHBURN, Va. — How does Jayden Daniels follow one of the most powerful rookie seasons in NFL history? Get stronger.

“Put on a little muscle, huh? Yeah, for sure,” said center Tyler Biadasz, one of the blockers tasked with protecting the Washington Commanders’ franchise quarterback. “He said what he was going to do, and he did it.”

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Let’s be clear: Daniels will never be confused physically with quarterback behemoths like reigning MVP Josh Allen or Cam Newton, even if the 210-pounder’s arms appeared a smidge bulkier Wednesday at the start of organized team activities. The coaching staff did not demand that the Southern California native spend his offseason lifting weights at Los Angeles’ famed Muscle Beach.

Still, fans were abuzz on social media about a potentially swole Daniels. The always even-keeled quarterback smiled when asked about his fitness regimen.

“I was just in the weight room working out,” Daniels said. “You always try to improve in different areas, but I don’t know what to say. I’ll let people talk about it.”

spot the difference pic.twitter.com/sVbddOfQD1 — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 22, 2025

Tack on this hefty topic to constant chatter surrounding last season’s breakout star. With Daniels under center, the Commanders finished with a 12-5 regular-season record before reaching the NFC Championship Game following road playoff victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. Washington had not won as many as 12 games or reached the conference championship since the 1991 season.

Expectations for the quarterback and the team now start at the contender level. For coach Dan Quinn, that does not change Washington’s mentality.

“We’re always the hunters,” Quinn said.

Last season’s fifth-highest scoring offense (28.5 points per game) won’t surprise anyone in the upcoming campaign. Daniels, the runaway winner of the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, finished with 3,568 passing yards, a 69.0 completion percentage, 25 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

The dual-threat also rushed for six touchdowns and 891 yards. The latter set a rookie quarterback record, breaking the mark set by former Washington starter Robert Griffin III in 2012. The game-breaking mobility is why nobody wants Daniels jacked up, even if his 6-foot-4 frame makes an inviting target for defenders with bad intentions.

Considering how frequently he runs into football traffic or faces pass rushers racing his way, adding muscle would benefit Daniels. Though still listed by the team at 210 pounds, by the eye test, mission accomplished, right?

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“I think he’s still pretty lean,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. “But he’s definitely worked really hard on his fitness and (in the) weight room. … I (bet) that he’s a little bit thicker than he was.”

Washington’s decision-makers beefed up help around Daniels. The Commanders sent three draft picks to the Houston Texans for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers and selected University of Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round. Two Day 3 selections, speedy receiver Jaylin Lane and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, could have roles this season.

“Those are good additions that we brought in,” Daniels said of his likely new tackle pairing. “You have to trust (general manager Adam Peters) with everything that is going on.”

Samuel watched Daniels’ historic arrival from the West Coast. The excitement for the yards-after-catch force has only increased since working with his new teammate for two to three months.

“I feel the man can make every throw,” said Samuel, a 2021 Pro Bowl selection looking to bounce back after a trying 2024 season. “He’s comfortable. He knows what’s going on. He knows where the ball needs to go. I think he’s very smart.”

Daniels’ throws in 7-on-7 drills were sharp, though expected kinks existed. He overthrew an open Samuel on one deep shot, and interceptions on consecutive plays went on his unofficial ledger. One on-target pass ricocheted off the hands of wide receiver Michael Gallup with a defensive back there for the turnover.

The next toss, also to Gallup, was caught by second-round cornerback Trey Amos after the two bumped over the middle, causing Gallup to fall. Daniels later completed crisp passes to wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates during a two-minute drill.

These early sessions — Week 1 is 99 days away as of Wednesday — are about “getting on the same page with the guys,” Daniels said. “There are some guys that played with me last year, some new guys, trying to get them up to speed. Teach them how I see it through my lenses.”

the way he throw so tuff pic.twitter.com/h0TcolpRKh — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 28, 2025

Daniels, 24, rarely takes a mental or physical break from football. Despite significant demands for his time and attention, the admitted introvert maintained focus in the offseason.

“It was fun just to sit back and reflect and figure out how I’m going to move throughout this offseason and move forward,” Daniels said. “Other than that, just living life, still working and training.”

Setting the work-first attitude isn’t lost on his head coach.

“He’s an amazing teammate,” Quinn said. “The amount of work that he puts in that goes unseen here to get ready to play, to learn it, to teach others to, you know, connect the guys that’s going through. There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels.”

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Other OTA notes

• Wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed recent offseason work during Phase 3, including Wednesday’s practice session. The 2024 second-team All-Pro and 2026 free agent is seeking a new contract extension after setting a career high with 13 touchdown receptions. Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were also absent.

Peters keeps Quinn “up to date” on contract matters, and the relentless optimist maintains a positive attitude despite not working with a full roster.

“The offseason’s been excellent,” Quinn said. “I’ve been in touch with every guy on the team. I’ve really enjoyed this time.”

McLaurin, Daniels’ top target, was with the team earlier in the offseason program. The two also built outstanding chemistry last season.

“Me and Terry have a good relationship outside of football. He has to handle what he has to handle, but that doesn’t change anything, the fact that he is part of our brotherhood,” Daniels said. “We know Terry is working and everything. We have to get better, and he knows he has to get better each and every day.”

• The controversial tush push perfected by the rival Philadelphia Eagles remains legal following a vote at last week’s league meetings. Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu became the defender most associated with unsuccessfully attempting to stymie Philadelphia in the NFC championship by drawing penalties for twice diving over linemen with the ball outside the Commanders’ goal line.

The attempts turned Washington’s top returning sacker into a social media meme. From now on, there’s little funny about blunting the Eagles’ highly successful play.

“We just got to stop it,” Luvu said.

• Washington’s bevy of punt return candidates was joined at practice by one of the best to take on the job, Brian Mitchell. Quinn asked Mitchell, who has more than 19,000 combined return yards, to spend time with the returners.

“Couldn’t think of a more ideal person to share some insights and ideas about returning,” Quinn said.

Mitchell, a college quarterback who never returned punts or kicks until reaching the NFL, ranks second to Jerry Rice in all-purpose yards in league history.

• Quinn did not offer a recovery timeline for right guard Sam Cosmi but said the lineman is “hitting all the markers that he’s supposed to” with his rehabilitation following ACL surgery in January. Cosmi, Washington’s longest-tenured offensive lineman, suffered the knee injury in the Commanders’ divisional-round win over the Lions. Andrew Wylie and Nate Herbig are among the replacement options.

(Photo: Nick Wass / Associated Press)

ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn didn’t take a breath, cut back a snap or lessen the tempo during the team’s first practice since the NFC Championship Game.

It’s always go time.

“We are always the hunters,” Quinn said. “We’ve got a lot to prove. We’re going after it. The hunter is a mindset. That doesn’t change.”

No wonder quarterback Jayden Daniels went deep on third down during his two-minute drill in April 28 practice. He wanted the same walk-off experience that won five games last season.

Unfortunately, the pass sailed over his corner end zone target. Oh well, it’s a new year.

The vibe during Quinn’s first season that lifted a sad-sack franchise to 14-6 in 2024 and ended one game short of the Super Bowl is still there. In fact, it’s now contagious. The team established an identity of intense practices like an opening footwork drill that sees everyone screaming. They’re not cutting back now.

Instead, players and coach spoke of creating an identity and want newcomers to adjust to them.

“Keep the brotherhood, keep the standards,” center Tyler Biadasz said.

The 90-minute sessions saw no wasted time. If players weren’t replicating the Hail Mary drill that beat Chicago last season, then Daniels was working a bad snap drill by even catching one left handed.

Former Washington coach Marty Schottenheimer used to tell cornerback Darrell Green in his 19th season that everyone needed to practice. So, tight end Zac Ertz was out there after 168 games, 775 catches and 8,088 yards. Ertz worked on his base alignment even after 12 years in the NFL. Soon, he was faking a move and heading for a pass. From old veterans to second-year passer Daniels, everyone was starting over.

“You have to keep proving yourself,” Daniels said.

Quinn was pleased with Daniels, who was picked off once by Jeremy Reaves jumping a route that saw the defense hollering as they collectively headed to the end zone. The defense gets a little tired of being beaten by Daniels in practice – even calling a timeout during one drill to reset its alignment. It worked, neutralizing the first throw for no gain and the second sailing incomplete.

“There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels,” Quinn said. “He and his teammates put in a long of teamwork together. Excellent in terms of the attitude of the guys. You can sense when people are going for it.”

Yet, Quinn promised surprises in the offense in coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s second season. Some new thoughts while sharpening old plays.

“There’s a lot of the playbook people haven’t seen,” Quinn said.

Day 1 showed one constant, though. The hunters are on the move once again.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Making bold trades is something Adam Peters has had no problem with this offseason. The Washington Commanders are on the cusp of perennial contention, and the general manager responded accordingly with the sort of moves that cement the team’s win-now approach.

One NFL analyst believes Peters should keep the same mindset to provide quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels with another athletically gifted option in the passing game.

The Commanders look pretty set at the tight-end position entering 2025. Zach Ertz galvanized his career last time around and deservedly got another one-year deal for his efforts. Hopes are high that Ben Sinnott can develop into a well-rounded player and become more influential in Year 2 of his professional career. John Bates got a long-term commitment from the franchise after emerging as one of the league’s most accomplished blockers at the position.

Commanders linked with daring trade raid for explosive TE Kyle Pitts

That looks like a highly capable trio if Ertz doesn’t regress. However, Kristopher Knox from The Bleacher Report had something bolder in mind.

The analyst listed Washington among the potential suitors for Kyle Pitts. Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports revealed that the Atlanta Falcons would prefer to keep the former first-round pick, but he’s generating interest from around the league entering the final year of his rookie deal. Knox thought the Commanders could part ways with two third-rounders to get this deal over the line.

“Last season, tight end Zach Ertz ranked second among Commanders pass-catchers with 66 receptions, 654 yards and seven touchdowns. Washington re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason and has 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott at the position. Yet, adding Pitts could still make plenty of sense. Ertz, who will turn 35 in November, isn’t a long-term answer for the Commanders. Pitts could be, and even if Sinnott starts playing up to his draft status, having two potent tight ends would be valuable.” Kristopher Knox

Pitts is talented, although he has not lived up to his pre-draft hype coming out of Florida. The gifted pass-catcher has steadily regressed since his 1,000-receiving-yard rookie campaign. There remains some untapped potential attached, which is something Kliff Kingsbury could unlock if the Commanders managed to secure his services.

It’s an intriguing possibility, and the Commanders could also take on his financial figure with minimal fuss in 2025. Even so, this seems highly unlikely.

The Commanders didn’t want anything to upset their current tight-end dynamic this offseason. Expect the same trend to continue, leaning on Ertz, Sinnott, and Bates to shoulder the burden.

But if Pitts hits free agency next spring, the Commanders would be foolish not to consider the possibility.

More Commanders news and analysis

Let’s rewind to January 12, 2025. Dan Quinn‘s Washington Commanders were about to go head-to-head against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card game. Nobody would have guessed that the Washington team would win that game against the Super Bowl Champions, and that too, with a rookie quarterback. No way. But Jayden Daniels came straight to the gridiron with a winning mindset and registered his playoff seat in his first year in the NFL after defeating Baker Mayfield by 20-23. Jayden Daniels became a hero after the game as he landed three TDs with a 68.6 completion percentage.

Well, after that wild-card game, Daniels led the team to win the NFC divisional round against the Lions, but ended up losing to the Eagles in the NFC conference championship. Looks great, right? But there is a flip side to it. Their defense allowed 326.9 yards per game. They were 29th in rushing defense. And last but not least, a lack of great players in the offensive squad to help out Jayden in pressuring situations. And for these reasons, Dan Quinn would sacrifice his important picks while arranging pieces in the 2025 draft by trading up and down. Curious about who those prospects Dan must be looking for? Let’s dive into it.

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Trade alert: 🏈

Looking at the eagerness of the Saints to draft Jaxson Dart, it is said that they would trade with the Washington Commanders for the round 1 pick. So, the Saints would have two first-round picks, that is, their 9th overall pick and 29th overall from the Commanders. In total, the Saints would have 1st-round and 4th-round picks from the Commanders. And what will Dan Quinn get? They would get another 2nd round pick from the Saints along with a 4th round and a 7th round pick. So, earlier before this trade, the Washington team would have had 5 picks, but now they can pick 6 prospects.

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Round 2 (40th overall): Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College Eagles

As we have already discussed, the Commanders were weak at the particular defensive positions, and one of them was the pass rusher. They were 29th in the rushing defense last season. So, that’s why it would be great if Dan Quinn picks Donovan Ezeiruaku up from Boston. We know that the Commanders also need a wide receiver to help Deebo Samuel, but before that, adding an advanced, young defensive weapon would ensure they have a good balance.

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If we look at Donovan Ezeiruaku, he has played four seasons with a single team and consistently helped them to get the job done. In 2024, he tackled a total of 80 players, out of which 37 were solo tackles, which is nearly 50%. But that’s not the best part of this dish. Donovan Ezeiruaku has sacked a staggering 16.5 QBs in a single season. If it were NFL stats, he would have won DPOY awards for sure. So, according to us, picking him up as 40th overall would not lead to regret after two to three years. But wait, this is not the end of round 2, the Commanders would also get 61st overall.

Round 2 (61st overall): Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa

As we discussed above, the Commanders would prefer adding a wide receiver to help Jayden Daniels in the second round. And to add a wide receiver, we have Jayden Higgins from Iowa State to dominate the NFL gridiron. There is a lot of talk going on that so many NFL teams have pointed radars toward Higgins. And it’s clear why these teams want such a beast wide receiver, even though they have Deebo Samuel. In the 2024 season, he scored nine touchdowns while receiving 87 passes and covering 1,183. But there is a catch.

According to NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein, “[Higgins is] big inside/outside wideout with modest athletic attributes but outstanding ball skills that make him a projectable NFL prospect. Higgins needs a more limited route tree but can operate on all three levels in the right scheme.” But it’s an analysis of a rookie player, and there is no need to worry. These mistakes are coachable. But a lot of teams are already ready. Will the Washington team get another Jayden? Let’s wait, and now move on to the 4th round pick.

Round 4 (112th overall): Roy Jabez Higgins, LB, Iowa

There are plenty of Iowa prospects who are great players, like the 49ers’ Brock Purdy, who also has roots in Iowa State. So, our next pick is from the same college. His name is Roy Jabez Higgins; people also know him as Jay Higgins. This player turned heads in the 2024 season when he made 14 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble against OSU on October 6, 2024.

Actually, in the whole 2024 season, he has made a total of 124 tackles, out of which 53 were solo with five passes defended. Instantly reacting to post-snap movement from blockers, recognizing play design, being determined to get there, and navigating zone space very effectively in coverage are his strengths. But let’s see if he can land in Washington, which should probably happen as Dan Quinn’s team needs a future star defender like Jay Higgins.

Round 6 (205th overall): Cameron Williams, offensive tackle, Texas Longhorns

The Washington Commanders’ strategy is simple- just add help to Jayden Daniels with strong wide receivers and offensive lines. That’s why Cameron Williams is a perfect fit to handle the nasty defensive players from sacking Jayden Daniels. In the 2024 season, the Commanders’ No. 5 was sacked a massive 47 times. Josh Allen‘s offensive line, in comparison, only allowed 14 sacks of the 2024 MVP. Yes, that’s a huge difference.

And to make the unbelievable happen, Quinn can roll up his sleeves and pick Cameron Williams at any cost. According to NFL.com, “Williams is more mauler than a mover in the run game, while his protection consistency should improve with more work. Experience should bring out his upside, but his ceiling could be an average starting right tackle.” So, the franchise should also consider these weaknesses and work on them before starting the season.

Round 7 (245th overall): Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

“That Montgomery County area, there’s a lot of talent that comes out of there. It’s expected to get to this level.” This is what Prather said once, and he was absolutely right. Maybe he was not talking about himself, but he was right. The way Prather has played in 2024 marks a new journey. He has landed 4 TDs while receiving 56 receptions and covering 624 yards.

According to draft prospect analyst Lance Zierlein, “[Kaden Prather is an] outside receiver with size and speed to create advantages downfield. Prather is not explosive, though he builds and carries speed to create deep windows. He needs to do a better job of finishing routes and catches.” What an apt description. He also holds the power to create different routes near the endzone.

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So, adding this wideout horse to the stable won’t waste a single penny. Though not good enough right now, he holds the caliber to flip the game with his long strides. Phew! Now, the last pick goes to Jayden Daniels. And you know, picking up the following prospect will make other teams count yards.

Round 7 (254th overall): Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens

This 5’11” running back has played five college seasons with a single team, Delaware, from 2020 to 2024. After playing high-school football at Salisbury, Maryland, his destiny called him to go to Delaware to change his aura. And what changed after landing in Delaware?

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In the 2024 season, Marcus Yarns has made 133 rushing attempts for 844 yards to land six touchdowns. His ability to run with good patience and lightning speed has earned him a name in the 2025 draft class. According to his analysis of performance at the NFL combine, analyst Zierlein has said that Marcus is a two-year starter from the FCS who needs a very specific role to have a long-term chance. Yarns was a productive three-down player at Delaware. He’s a slender long-strider with good top-end speed. Well, looks good through stats and analysis. But let’s see if the Dan Quinn’s Commanders will pick him up for Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders’ surprising playoff surge under rookie QB Jayden Daniels exposed both promise and key weaknesses, especially in defense, protection, and offensive depth. Dan Quinn’s aggressive draft strategy, marked by savvy trades and targeted picks, aims to address those gaps with high-upside prospects like pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Kaden Prather, and offensive tackle Cameron Williams. With added defensive support from linebacker Roy Jabez Higgins and a dynamic backfield option in Marcus Yarns, the Commanders are building a balanced, competitive roster. If these picks develop as hoped, Washington’s rebuild could soon turn into a full-blown resurgence.