Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has arrived, and the league has taken notice. According to ESPNâs latest Top 10 Quarterbacks list, compiled through votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, the Washington Commanders’ rising star has landed inside the Top 5 heading into the 2025 season.
The list has well-known Championship pedigree signal callers on it.
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
- Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Daniels’ spot at five isnât offseason hype, itâs a recognition of greatness in motion.
After a sensational rookie year that earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl nod, Daniels is now grouped with MVPs and Super Bowl regulars. For a franchise that has struggled to find a long-term star at quarterback, this represents a generational shift in expectations and reality.
Why Daniels Has Earned His Spot Among the Best
Daniels didnât just impress; he broke the mold. He passed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions in his rookie campaign. But itâs his dual-threat dynamism that separates him from the pack. He added 891 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, constantly keeping defenses guessing.
Only a few quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen among them, offer that kind of dual-threat output. Yet even those stars didnât look this polished as passers in Year 1.
Credit also goes to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who built an offense tailored to Danielsâ strengths. The result? A stagnant Commanders’ offense became a Top 10 scoring unit. Daniels thrived reading defenses, escaping pressure, and delivering accurate throws on the move.
He also stepped up in big moments. Daniels led multiple fourth-quarter comebacks, showed composure in high-pressure situations, and carried himself like a seasoned veteran. That blend of calm, confidence, and capability is what made executives place him in elite company.
The Commanders Have Found Their Franchise Centerpiece
Danielsâ rise into the top five means more than personal success; itâs a turning point for the franchise.
Washington hasnât had a quarterback demand this kind of league-wide respect since Joe Theismann or Doug Williams. While recent names like Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III had moments, they never broke into this tier of stardom.
That matters because the top quarterbacks win Super Bowls. Just look at Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Jalen Hurts. These arenât just top talents; they change the identity of entire franchises.
Daniels could be on that same path. At just 24 years old, heâs already earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and decision-makers around the league. And heâs still getting better.
With a full offseason to build chemistry with Deebo Samuel and protection upgrades like Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr., not to mention continue building with Terry McLaurin, Daniels is positioned to take another major leap in Year 2.
Heâs not just the Commandersâ quarterback of the future; heâs a legitimate threat right now.
The fact that so many league professionals, many of whom faced him in 2024, placed Daniels in the top five is proof of just how quickly heâs gained respect. This isnât projection, itâs performance.
Washingtonâs Much-Needed Star Has Arrived
Daniels is no longer just a promising young quarterback; heâs a rising superstar.
The Commanders needed a face of the franchise, a leader, and a dynamic playmaker. Daniels is all of that, and more. For a team with playoff ambitions and national spotlight games ahead, his emergence as a top-tier quarterback couldnât have come at a better time.
Washington wanted a leader. The NFL now sees a star.
Daniels is becoming both, and the Commandersâ future is suddenly a whole lot brighter.
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