Rookie QB Jayden Daniels impresses at Commanders camp (July 25), earning praise from Zach Ertz and connecting with Deebo Samuel Sr. for a TD. Hype hits fever pitch.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The buzz coming out of Ashburn is getting louder every day, and it has a name: Jayden Daniels. The rookie quarterback isn't just meeting expectations; he's shattering them. On Friday, the hype train went into overdrive as Daniels earned glowing praise from a Super Bowl-winning veteran and connected on a beautiful touchdown pass to star receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., signaling that the future in Washington might be arriving sooner than anyone thought.
'Jayden has always been so poised.' - Zach Ertz
You can't buy the kind of endorsement Jayden Daniels received Friday. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz, a player who knows what championship-level quarterback play looks like, was effusive in his praise. 'Jayden has always been so poised,' Ertz told the media, highlighting the rookie's command of the huddle and rapid development. That poise was on full display during 11-on-11 drills, where Daniels showed off his improved footwork and accuracy, capping a drive with a perfectly placed 25-yard touchdown pass to new weapon Deebo Samuel Sr. The connection fans have been dreaming of is already starting to click, building tangible excitement for the offense's potential.
The optimism isn't just on the offensive side of the ball. A new standard is being set across the entire roster, a fact echoed by both players and coaches. 'The boys are some hard workers,' said defensive tackle Daron Payne, emphasizing the intensity his teammates are bringing to every drill. Head Coach Dan Quinn reinforced that message, noting the team's dedication. 'It's why we do the extra work,' Quinn stated. This shared commitment is fostering a competitive environment where roster spots are being earned, not given, setting a tough, gritty tone for the 2025 season.
While the rookies and stars made headlines, the front office made a savvy move to ensure stability. The Commanders signed safety Percy Butler to a one-year extension, keeping the fourth-year player in Washington through the 2026-27 season. Butler has become a vital jack-of-all-trades, contributing as a rotational safety (47 tackles in 2024) and a core special teams ace, where he logged the fourth-most snaps on the team last year. This extension rewards a key role player and maintains crucial continuity in two of the three phases of the game.
Beyond the main headlines, several key position battles are taking shape. Rookie offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. is getting significant reps with the second unit, a sign the team is keen on his development. Meanwhile, veteran pass rusher Von Miller is seeing time at linebacker, showcasing the defensive versatility Dan Quinn covets. As camp progresses, the competition for spots on the 53-man roster will only intensify, making every practice critical for players on the bubble.
With the praise mounting for Jayden Daniels and a blue-collar work ethic taking root, the energy in Ashburn is palpable. The front office is making smart moves to lock up its core, while the coaching staff fosters intense competition. All eyes will now be on the upcoming preseason opener in August, which will be the first true test for the rookie quarterback and the first chance for fans to see if this training camp buzz translates into real, on-field success.
