The Washington Commanders' 2025 season didn't go the way anybody had expected or hoped for. By extension, the same could be said of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
But make no mistake: he is still the team's franchise quarterback.
Though Daniels was not immune to fault, Washington failed him. The signal-caller was forced to do too much, and as a result, he was unable to stay on the field. Now, the Commanders' offseason revolves around ensuring none of this happens again.
Commanders are rightfully treating Jayden Daniels like the face of their franchise
Both coordinators have been replaced. Washington's offensive scheme figures to look much different under David Blough than it did under Kliff Kingsbury. Daniels himself did not influence the change, but it was made to maximize his window.
It won't be the last Daniels-driven move this offseason, either.
Head coach Dan Quinn all but admitted this week that Washington's offseason plan, specifically where the coaching staff is concerned, revolves around Daniels. He certainly factored into why Blough was the choice for offensive coordinator, providing him with a familiar voice in his ear.
Dan Quinn on Jayden Daniels' involvement in the OC change/staff changes: "He wasn't part of the staff selection, but he drives a lot of the thinking."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 10, 2026
Now that Washington's 2026 staff has been assembled, attention turns to the draft and free agency. Once again, Commanders fans should expect every move to be made with the intention of making life easier for their star passer.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Daniels' former teammate at Arizona State, has been a name frequently mentioned as a potential fit for Washington. The quarterback has lobbied for him. Despite only playing a combined seven games in the past two seasons, a change of scenery might be able to get him back on track.
Whether directly pressured by Daniels or simply operating under the mindset of trying to please him, expect many of Washington's free agent signings to be "Jayden-friendly" players.
A weapon at tight end, such as Kyle Pitts Sr., Isaiah Likely, or David Njoku, would fit that mold, given how often Daniels relied on Zach Ertz. If Marcus Mariota doesn't return as the backup quarterback, expect someone with a similar skillset and experience, such as Tyrod Taylor.
Daniels is not Robert Griffin III. He is not going to undermine team authorities to force them to meet his demands. But he is the most important player on the roster, and Washington can't afford to waste him.
Every new player and staff member on the 2026 Commanders has to know that if they're being brought to D.C. It's to provide Daniels with everything needed to excel.