Jayden Daniels did not enjoy the best season in 2025. The Washington Commanders didn't have their franchise player available nearly enough, with the quarterback appearing just seven times and completing only four contests.
This brought fresh doubts about his durability, which is a bit extreme. Daniels has heard all the criticism and is highly determined to right these wrongs. And for one team legend, he noticed something a little different about the signal-caller that was overlooked in the grand scheme of things.
Daniels is leading from the front this offseason. He's arranged workouts with his teammates earlier in the process, and his pass-catchers bought in. This tone carried over into organized team activities, with the former LSU standout bringing the urgency and poise to turn the Commanders' fortunes around.
Santana Moss noticed something different about Jayden Daniels at Commanders OTAs
Santana Moss was suitably impressed. The former wide receiver highlighted Daniels' mobility and accuracy as standout traits at OTAs. However, he also thought the dynamic dual-threat had been spending a lot more time in the weight room this offseason.
"JD5 (Jayden Daniels) looks like he's back and ready for action. I see him getting a little girthy on them arms, and I can see him out there rolling outside the pocket, throwing that thing everywhere."
Daniels is never going to be a Cam Newton-type in terms of size and physicality. He doesn't need to be, but after taking some significant punishment last season, the Heisman Trophy winner has taken the initiative to get stronger in the regular-season pressure cooker.
It's a slight change, but it'll only help.
The Commanders are expecting Daniels to bounce back next season. Every decision this offseason has had the No. 2 pick in 2024 at the forefront. The defensive enhancements will make things easier. There are some decent-looking options in the passing game and a stronger ground attack. He's got a more dynamic pass-catching tight end in Chig Okonkwo, and offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme should maximize the exceptional skills Okonkwo brings to the table.
Daniels proved in Year 1 of his professional career how influential he can be. Knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries limited his influence in 2025, but that's only made the resolve greater. There is a more collaborative approach, and Blough's offense has been tailored around his quarterback's desires. Now, it's time to put this plan into motion.
If getting a little bigger physically was another objective, Moss believes that Daniels has achieved it. And if he can stay healthy, it might not be much longer before the Commanders are right in the thick of things once again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google