Washington Commanders news: The Chicago Bears are fully expected to start the new season with first overall pick Caleb Williams as their new QB1. The departure of Judtin Fields all but guarantees Williams taking over the helm from Day 1.
At this point, however, there’s a little more doubt surrounding Jayden Daniels‘ situation with the Commanders, especially with Washington bringing in veteran QB Marcus Mariota in the offseason.
Washington Commanders News: Tight Race Between Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota?
Daniels comes in with a stellar resume form his college playing days with the LSU and Arizona State. He’s reportedly been making significant progress as an NFL QB in the limited time he’s been with the Commanders, which only points to the notion that the 23-year-old is ready to start now:
“Daniels comes off a Heisman Trophy-winning season at LSU, in which he threw for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdown passes and only four interceptions,” wrote ex-NFL general manager Jeff Diamon. “He also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. Daniels was a four-year starter in college at Arizona State and LSU (37-18 record).
“He has impressed his Washington coaches and teammates with his work ethic. ‘There’s no doubt Jayden’s making unbelievable progress,’ (head coach Dan) Quinn said. ‘He’s earned that opportunity to compete.'”
Washington, however, brought Mariota in for a reason. The 30-year-old QB has a ton of experience under his belt, and he’s very much capable of taking over the reins for the Commanders.
Be that as it may, Diamond believes that Mariota will end up settling for the backup role behind Washington’s new and shiny quarterback:
“The last quarterback drafted first or second overall not to start in Week 1 was Mitchell Trubisky with the Bears in 2018. I don’t see Daniels on the bench for opening day. Mariota’s upside is limited as he enters his 10th NFL season, and he’s mostly been a backup in recent years.
That should continue in 2024,” Diamond wrote.
For More Gridiron Heroics Content
Follow us on X at @GridIronHeroics. You may also reach out to us via GH@SportsHeroics.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!