Washington Commanders Ready to Learn if Jayden Daniels is Ready for Starting QB Role

Jayden Daniels could be the Washington Commanders starting quarterback.

Jul 26, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball during warmup before day three of training camp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Commanders No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels will get an opportunity to become the team's starting quarterback someday, but is that moment coming in a month in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

That has yet to be determined, but he will play in Saturday's preseason opener against the New York Jets, and the Commanders will get a better idea if he's ready to take on that role when the games begin to count.

"Can Daniels handle the speed, physicality and nuance of the pro game right away? He's flashed poise, accuracy and playmaking ability in training camp, but he'll need to continue doing that in game situations against unfamiliar opponents," Bleacher Report contributor Kristopher Knox writes. "His performance over the next few weeks may decide whether offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury eases Daniels into the offense or allows him to open things up as he did at LSU."

READ MORE: Washington Commanders Notebook: Offensive Line Problematic in Joint Practice with Jets

If the Commanders don't feel Daniels is ready, they can turn to Marcus Mariota, who began the 2022 season as a starter for the Atlanta Falcons, but played last year as the backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mariota has a lot of experience in 10 NFL seasons, and that could give him the edge over Daniels if he isn't ready to go right away.

---

READ MORE: Washington Commanders Rookie OT Taking 'First Good Step' in Training Camp

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Dan Quinn Wants to See One Certain Thing At Commanders' Joint Practice With Jets

• NFL Power Rankings: Where Are Washington Commanders Going Into Preseason?

• New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh 'Excited For' New Washington Commanders Top Leaders

• Former Washington Commanders Tight End Lands With NFC East Rival