Commanders Shut Down QB Jayden Daniels for Season: Report
The Washington Commanders have made a significant decision regarding their quarterback. Reports indicate that they will shut down QB Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season. This comes after a series of challenges for the young quarterback, who was once a promising star.
Jayden Daniels: A Look at His Career
Jayden Daniels was selected as the second overall pick by the Commanders in the 2024 draft. His rookie season was remarkable, leading the team to a 12-5 record and two playoff victories. This performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year title, revitalizing a fan base that suffered under previous management.
However, the expectations for the 2025 season were high. Many believed he would improve further. Unfortunately, historical trends show that rookie quarterbacks often regress in their second year.
Quarterback Performance Trends
Several rookie quarterbacks have demonstrated a regression in their second season based on their Quarterback Rating (QBR). Here’s a brief comparison:
| Player | Rookie QBR | Second Year QBR |
|---|---|---|
| Vince Young | 56.1 | 46.9 |
| Matt Ryan | 68.8 | 67.7 |
| Sam Bradford | 46.9 | 31.4 |
| Cam Newton | 56.6 | 58.3 |
| Robert Griffin III | 69.4 | 50.4 |
| Dak Prescott | 77.6 | 70.0 |
| Kyler Murray | 57.7 | 61.9 |
| Justin Herbert | 62.6 | 70.9 |
| C.J. Stroud | 57.5 | 49.8 |
| Jayden Daniels | 70.6 | 45.9 |
Out of the quarterbacks listed, seven experienced a drop in their QBR compared to their rookie season. This trend holds true for Daniels, who has faced several injuries this season.
Injury Struggles
Throughout the 2025 season, Daniels has battled multiple injuries:
- Week 2: Right wrist injury listed on the Commanders’ injury report.
- Weeks 3-4: Missed games against the Raiders and Falcons due to a knee sprain.
- Week 5: Returned against the Chargers but remained on the injury report.
- Week 7: Suffered a hamstring injury during a game against the Cowboys.
- Week 9: Endured a severe elbow injury against the Seahawks.
- Week 14: Returned to action but re-injured his elbow during a play.
With the Commanders now mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, management opted to shut down Daniels for the season. Going forward, they plan to start Marcus Mariota as QB2, who has shown better performance this year. Meanwhile, Josh Johnson serves as the backup, bringing veteran experience at age 39.
The Commanders will face the Philadelphia Eagles next Saturday and again in Week 18 at the start of January, concluding an eventful season.
