Jayden Daniels' rookie campaign was nothing short of phenomenal. The Washington Commanders found a franchise-caliber quarterback at the first time of asking under general manager Adam Peters. Now, it's about maintaining these exceptionally high standards and ensuring they maximize his rookie deal.
Because one NFL analyst believes things are going to get way more expensive after that. Perhaps even to barrier-breaking levels once Daniels becomes extension-eligible after the 2026 campaign.
Daniels carries himself like a superstar. His work ethic, poise, quiet leadership, and remarkable production in the biggest moments spearheaded Washington's run to the NFC Championship game in 2024. Peters recognized the need to get aggressive this offseason to capitalize on the No. 2 pick being on a cheap rookie deal compared to what most elite quarterbacks are making around the league.
Agent believes Commanders QB Jayden Daniels could get $90 million per year on his next deal
The Commanders have two more years left before Daniels is looking for generational wealth. J.I. Halsell, executive vice president of 3 Strand Sports and Entertainment, thinks the former LSU standout has the scope to reach around $90 million per year on his next deal if the same trend continues.
Halsell, who specializes in getting NFL players and college prospects deals through NIL and other means, pointed to the soaring salary cap and quarterback contracts as a reason behind this prediction during an appearance on the B-Mitch and Finlay 106.7 The Fan Radio Show. He also thought the Commanders would be wise to get this worked out at the earliest possible opportunity.
After all, the price is only going up.
"The magic question is, does he [Jayden Daniels] have the chance to be the first $100 million quarterback? While the cap is growing exponentially year on year, I don't know if he gets to 100. Could he get to 90? I think 90 is very plausible. Ninety is not the end-all, be-all metric, or average per year is not the end-all, be-all on this metric. It's really what's guaranteed at signing and all those pieces. But I think there's a chance he gets to 90 after year three. And obviously, they would be very smart — assuming he continues to play at a high level in year two into year three — they'd be very smart to get him extended as soon as he is eligible after his third year."J.I. Halsell
Wait...J.I. Halsell really told @BMitchandFinlay he thinks Jayden Daniels could be a NINETY million per year QB come 2027??? pic.twitter.com/W0JctU6yzJ
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) March 20, 2025
A lot can happen between now and then. Daniels must maintain or extend his early rise to NFL MVP consideration. That won't be easy, but there's nothing to suggest he cannot achieve this objective if the Commanders meet their end of the bargain.
Paying a quarterback $90 million per season is going to restrict the Commanders' roster building regardless of how much the salary cap keeps going up. Peters is always thinking two steps ahead. He'll know how much it'll cost to retain Daniels when the time comes. Trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil confirmed his intent to make this window count.
There are ways to work contracts to benefit the team. Daniels is a team-first guy and wants to win more than anything else. Some creative construction can keep the Commanders in contention while also providing the Heisman Trophy winner with the salary he'll be richly deserving of if his rookie exploits are sustained or enhanced.
The urgency to capitalize on Daniels' current deal is there for all to see. Peters knows it and is acting with conviction to surround Washington's prized possession with everything needed to thrive.
Hopefully, it'll have the desired effect.
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