The Washington Commanders will go as far as Jayden Daniels takes them. Other areas are important, but the quarterback makes everything tick. It's the one position in football that must be built around, no questions asked.
But one NFL analyst questioned whether the Commanders had done enough to help Daniels this offseason.
It's a big year for Daniels. The No. 2 pick in 2024 becomes extension-eligible after the campaign, so the stakes couldn't be much higher. He is also looking to silence some increasing doubters around his durability after featuring in just seven games, completing four, last time around.
NFL analyst outlined concern as Commanders prioritize defense over Jayden Daniels
The offensive alterations were modest at best in free agency. General manager Adam Peters prioritized defensive acquisitions and spent the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on linebacker Sonny Styles. That should help the Commanders become more balanced, but most believe Daniels' supporting cast is subpar.
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports thought the Commanders were taking a big risk. The senior writer didn't think this was a normal approach to building around a young, talented quarterback. And if it doesn't go well, the finger-pointing will be severe.
"The Commanders paid eight free agents to switch teams and come to Washington in the offseason, and seven were on defense. Those eight contracts totaled about $214.3 million, and only $27 million (12.6%) went to offense.Â
"This isn’t the normal approach to building around a young quarterback. Typically teams that are short of talent on offense build quickly to help out the QB. Washington decided to attack the defense instead, and trust that the offense with a hopefully healthy Daniels will be enough. It might work out, but there will be plenty of second guessing if it doesn’t."
The Commanders could do without Daniels trying to be a hero. Offensive coordinator David Blough's new scheme should play to his strengths while limiting the chances of significant punishment. That could be more important than anything, but it also leaves a lot to chance.
Terry McLaurin is the only sure thing in Washington's passing attack. Unless Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, or third-round rookie Antonio Williams break out, the Commanders have a problem. There is the lingering cloud of Brandon Aiyuk, but his possible arrival could take months.
The running back-by-committee approach has some solid options but no legitimate game changers. Chig Okonkwo is a fascinating addition to the tight end room, but massive questions remain about Ben Sinnott. Washington's offensive line is easily the biggest plus, even if the center position could be a weak link.
It looks as if there will be an over-reliance on Daniels, at least from the outside looking in. But for the Commanders, they believe the required reinforcements have arrived, and having a strong defense always makes things easier for any quarterback.
And besides, the Commanders probably aren't done adding to their offense around Daniels, in any case.
Peters did what was needed defensively. That hasn't come at the expense of Daniels; it's just taken a little longer for that picture to become clearer.
But it's coming together slowly.
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