Jayden Daniels shines in Commanders' first padded practice on July 29, but concern grows as Terry McLaurin's contract talks reportedly stall. A tale of two stars.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The crack of pads returned to Ashburn on Tuesday, and with it came a jolt of electricity courtesy of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. In the first fully padded practice of training camp, Daniels was dominant, showcasing the poise and arm talent that has fans buzzing. But as the future of the franchise shined, a shadow crept in from the negotiating table, where star receiver Terry McLaurin's contract talks have reportedly hit a significant snag, creating a classic training camp storyline of hope and concern.
Rookie QB Jayden Daniels connected with fellow rookie WR Jaylin Lane for a highlight-reel touchdown in a late-game scenario drill, a flash of the future for Washington's offense.
There's an undeniable energy when Jayden Daniels is on the field. The rookie quarterback looked every bit the part in his first test against a fully-padded NFL defense, impressing coaches and teammates with his command of the offense. He wasn't just managing the game; he was making plays. Daniels found a rhythm with multiple receivers, notably fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey, and delivered the day's biggest highlight: a perfectly placed touchdown pass to rookie wideout Jaylin Lane during a high-pressure, end-of-game situation drill. It's these moments that build belief, and right now, belief in the QB1 is growing by the snap.
While Daniels builds connections on the field, the front office is working to secure his top target. However, negotiations with Terry McLaurin have become more complex. The recent four-year, $92 million extension for Denver's Courtland Sutton has reset the market, with reports indicating McLaurin is now seeking a contract that surpasses DK Metcalf's deal. This development raises the uncomfortable possibility that the holdout could extend into the preseason, potentially disrupting the chemistry between the rookie QB and the team's undisputed number one receiver at a critical time.
This year's camp is defined by new faces on both sides of the ball. The offense is getting a jolt from major acquisitions like receiver Deebo Samuel, who has looked sharp despite online chatter about his speed, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, whose veteran leadership is already making an impact. The defense, under the direction of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., is undergoing an even bigger transformation. Rookie slot corner Mike Sainristil has been a ball-hawking machine, snagging multiple interceptions. Quinn is also experimenting with a versatile and fearsome defensive front, deploying players like Frankie Luvu, Von Miller, Dorance Armstrong, and Javon Kinlaw in multiple alignments to create mismatches and confusion.
The emphasis on a tougher, more physical team is evident in the trenches. The run defense was described as 'dominant' during Monday's session, a welcome sign for a unit that struggled in 2024. Coach Quinn has praised the depth and flexibility of his new-look defensive line, which includes key additions like Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, and Sheldon Day. This renewed focus on winning at the line of scrimmage is the foundation of Quinn's philosophy and will be critical to improving on last year's disappointing defensive performance and supporting an offense led by a rookie quarterback.
While the buzz around Jayden Daniels and the revamped roster is electric, the front office's most immediate test is getting a deal done with Terry McLaurin. A happy, paid 'Scary Terry' is essential for this team's success. As camp continues and the preseason opener against the Giants approaches, all eyes will be on whether the on-field chemistry can be matched by off-field harmony.
