Agent's pot-stirring contradiction adds fuel to Commanders' QB fire

There's been no shortage of drama where the Washington Commanders are concerned as excitement builds around the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Adam Peters will take a quarterback with the selection, which remains a hot debate topic among analysts and the fanbase alike as the landmark occasion approaches.

Everyone has their personal preference. The Commanders are in the final stages of discussions before those in power make their choice. They brought Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Michael Penix Jr. for 30 visits simultaneously along with 18 others. This is an unusual approach, but one that Peters has some experience with from his front-office roles in San Francisco and New England.

Jayden Daniels' agent stirs the pot ahead of Commanders' choice at No. 2

This didn't sit well with everybody. Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk was critical of Washington's methods. This also resulted in a cryptic social media post from Ron Butler, who just so happens to be Daniels' agent.

Thanks to the investigative powers of fans on social media, Butler also made some contradicting likes. One seemed to support criticism regarding the Commanders' direction as part of their final assessments. The other inferred that he wasn't too keen on Florio's take.

Just what was going through Butler's head to cause this sort of stir is unfathomable. This is a critical stage for his client with millions of dollars at stake. Teams don't look favorably on distractions away from the gridiron. Specifically, agents who make it all about themselves rather than act in the best interests of those they're representing.

If this was some weird ploy to get the Commanders off the Heisman Trophy winner entirely, it's also foolish. Peters and others in positions of power aren't going to let a meddling agent in love with his own opinions dictate which way they should go during the draft. Daniels remains in strong contention to be the second signal-caller taken after Caleb Williams goes to the Chicago Bears. This doesn't alter that fact whatsoever.

Much like everything else that occurs at this time of year, it is a proverbial storm in a teacup. Butler is free to say whatever he likes. Even though this appears to be extremely ill-advised, the Commanders aren't going to be deterred from their desired path. That's a guarantee given how much work Peters and his staff have done throughout an exhausting pre-draft process.

Maybe it's the fact there is no drama with the No. 1 pick this year that's made it such a big deal. Williams to the Bears was a done deal almost from the moment they were handed the No. 1 pick by the Carolina Panthers and Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The media needs to find something to cling onto - what better place than the very next selection at No. 2?

It's a slight distraction to everyone outside the organization. For those trusted with making such a momentous decision that will shape the franchise's future, it'll mean very little.

Daniels, Maye, McCarthy, and Penix are all in play. Peters has yet to show his hand. Even if there is a consensus within the building, this is likely to remain the case right up until the big night or just a few short hours before.

One week to go…