Daniels eager for fresh start with Washington Commanders

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is determined to move past last season’s struggles and focus on improving as the team prepares for 2026. After a disappointing 5-12 record in 2025 and significant coaching changes, including a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the franchise aims to avoid a decline similar to past quarterbacks and achieve renewed success.

ASHBURN, Va. — With the Washington Commanders preparing for the 2026 NFL season less than three months away, quarterback Jayden Daniels is focused on moving past the setbacks of last year and concentrating on the road ahead.

“I’m done talking about last year. Last year’s last year,” the 25-year-old Daniels said during minicamp this week. “Moving on to this season, and whatever happened last year is what happened last year. Can’t do anything for me but just continue to get better.”

Daniels, who helped lead Washington to the NFC championship game in his rookie season two years ago, saw the team struggle through a disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2025. Entering last season, many analysts anticipated regression, and injuries contributed significantly to the team’s difficulties, including an eight-game losing streak midseason.

A central concern for Washington is whether Daniels can avoid injury; he appeared in only seven games last year. His production dipped notably across key statistical measures, including passer rating (from 100.1 in 2024 to 88.1 in 2025), completion percentage (69% to 60.6%), yards per pass attempt (7.4 to 6.7), and yards per rush attempt (6.02 to 4.79). The Commanders posted a 2-5 record in games Daniels started last season, compared with a 12-5 record in his previous full campaign.

Washington’s fan base is wary of a repeat of the trajectory experienced by former quarterback Robert Griffin III, who had a standout rookie year in 2012 before failing to maintain that level in subsequent seasons. The organization and supporters alike hope Daniels can avoid a similar pattern.

In response to the disappointing 2025 season, Washington made significant changes to its coaching staff. Dan Quinn’s staff was overhauled, with David Blough taking over as offensive coordinator, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. Additionally, D.J. Williams, son of former Super Bowl-winning Washington quarterback Doug Williams, was hired as the team’s quarterbacks coach.

As the Commanders enter a new chapter, both the team and Daniels appear intent on establishing a fresh start and renewed success in the upcoming season.