The Washington Commanders are set to hit the field on May 8th as Rookie Minicamp officially begins their offseason workouts. This will be a true first look at the updated roster and coaching staff for the upcoming season. Washington is looking for a bounce-back year in 2026 following a 2025 campaign marred by injury. The most notable of which was quarterback Jayden Daniels, who only played seven games of his sophomore season.
GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels recorded 114 completions for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in 2025 while adding 278 yards and two more scores on the ground.
Sports commentator and notable Dallas Cowboys fan Skip Bayless recently made a surprisingly bold claim about the Commanders’ third-year signal caller in a recent appearance on Underdog’s, The Arena: Gridiron.
In a conversation discussing the NFC East, Bayless stated, “If Jayden Daniels can stay upright for 17 games, they probably have a really good chance to win the division. He’s that good. I think he’s the most talented quarterback in the division.”
Bayless then proceeded to give the Commanders a 20% shot to claim the division title, ahead of the Giants, 15%, but behind the Cowboys, 30%, and the Eagles, 35%.
While Bayless really only truly dives into the Cowboys and Eagles, his respect for Daniels is clear, and he’s not the only analyst who feels that way.
Louis Riddick Believes Jayden Daniels Will Rebound From His 2025 Season
In an interview with ABC 7 News DC, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick broke down his expectations for Jayden Daniels in year three.
“He’s a franchise quarterback, Riddick stated. “It’s nothing but injuries that really derailed him. Jayden Daniles hasn’t lost a lick of anything in terms of what ultimately he has in his bag to make him one of the very best quarterbacks in the NFL. I expect him to return to that, provided his health is fine, and everything else around him doesn’t just fall apart, which I don’t anticipate that doing.”
The Commanders’ front office, led by general manager Adam Peters, has been working overtime to revamp the roster for the upcoming year.
The Commanders signed 15 new contracts in free agency and added six more players through the draft. 11 of those 21 transactions were on the offensive side of the ball. Notable playmakers Daniles will now get to work with include former Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, and newly drafted Clemson Tigers wide receiver Anotonio Williams.
Washington is also still currently in the mix to potentially reunite the former Arizona State Sun Devil with his former teammate, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Each move has been made in the hopes of recapturing the magic of Daniel’s Rookie of the Year campaign. The entire franchise is banking on his ability to recapture that form and grow beyond it in year three.
Jayden Daniels Has Already Been Working Hard This Offseason
GettyJayden Daniels served as a team captain for the “Wildcats” in the 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic, held on March 21, 2026, in Los Angeles.
While much of Jayden Daniels’ offseason headlines were most likely tied to his participation in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, Adam Peters provided a more insightful update on how Daniels offseason is really progressing.
“He’s already jump-started it, he’s had an incredible offseason,” Peters stated on NFL Network’s “The Insiders”. “He’s really been diligent about working this offseason. He’s been out in L.A. But he’s working with his trainers out there, with his throwing coach, and he’s in great shape. He looks great. He feels great. He’s healthy.”
Commanders fans will hopefully get a good look at Daniels’ progression as OTAs begin on May 27th for the Commanders.
Skip Bayless Drops Unexpected Truth Bomb on Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels