"Is he going to wear down?": NFL insider raises major question about Jayden Daniels amid MVP talks

Modified Aug 14, 2025 09:20 GMT

NFL: Washington Commanders at New England Patriots - Source: Imagn — Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels - Source: Imagn

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will have all eyes on him as he enters his sophomore year. He had a dream rookie season, leading the team to its first NFC championship game in 33 years and its highest total since 1991. He now finds himself in the MVP conversation heading into 2025.

NFL insider Mike Sando shared his thoughts on Daniels' progress. He mentioned there haven't been any major red flags that executives pointed out. According to Sando, the only major concern is Daniels' ability to stay fit throughout the season.

“It's rare to get to the championship game with a rookie quarterback and a bottom-10 defense," Sando told Colin Cowherd on the latter's podcast on Wednesday [Timestamp - 11:30]. "In a place where, yes, the culture was better, but they haven't done anything there. So, he clearly drove it.”

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“I think everyone was very impressed with his poise. He's super elusive. I think the question probably is ... he's got banged up ribs, and he's not the thickest guy. Is he going to wear down or get banged up? But I didn't see any red flags. I look at it this way, though: Stroud and Herbert are the two other guys since I've been doing this that finished almost as high as him in their debut quarterback years,” he added.

Jayden Daniels optimistic about the 2025 season

Daniels has maintained his poise this offseason amid the increasing pressure of expectations. He told reporters on Monday that he had many areas to improve. He added that he was building rapport with the wide receiver corps and the offense in general.

"I just think I'm in a different position. Last year was my first training camp, first preseason game. Now I'm in year two, so I'm just trying to get better with those guys each and every day and I know those guys are working their butts off to go out there and they are making tough catches in practice, in the game, joint practices, things like that."

Daniels led the Commanders to 12 wins and a run to the NFC Championship game last season.

About the author

Deepesh is a football enthusiast with years of experience covering NFL and NCAA. As an editor and published author of thousands of articles, he shares his passion for the game through compelling stories from on and off the field. When he's not working, you can find him hitting the weight room, coding, or playing chess—or binge-watching his favorite series as a self-proclaimed movie buff.

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Edited by Deepesh Nair