Commanders pick rookie Daniels as the starting quarterback

The Washington Commanders announced what has been expected since the National Football League draft: Jayden Daniels is their starting QB.

Washington manager Dan Quinn shared the news today, though Jayden, 2^nd overall selection at the 2024 NFL Draft, had been working with the 1^st team exclusively in training camp for the last 3 weeks.

Before that time, Marcus Mariota took the leading role as the QB1, though the rookie would take snaps with the starters in both full-team work and 7-on-7 drills.

Jayden, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, also started both of the 1^st 2 preseason matches; Marcus was unavailable to be on the field 2 days ago in Miami because of a hamstring problem, but that didn’t impact the rookie’s status.

In 2 preseason matches, Jayden completed 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards. The rookie did not throw a TD pass but scored on a 3-yard run vs. the Jets on a zone read.

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Expected but now official: Commanders HC Dan Quinn named rookie No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels as Washington’s new No. 1 QB.

Daniels is now slated to start opening day in Tampa against the Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/WXEZHuu6jq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2024