The Washington Commanders are firmly in win-now mode. Every cliché that implies urgency—mortgaging the future, throwing caution to the wind, pushing all the chips in—applies here. With a budding superstar quarterback on a rookie contract, the organization appears committed to making a serious run while the financial window remains open.
How will this affect Jayden Daniels' fantasy outlook for 2025 and beyond? Let's dig in.
A Star is Born
The Commanders opened the 2024 season with a rookie quarterback ranked as the consensus QB12. They finished with the overall QB5, who also earned AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and became the league's second-most prolific quarterback rusher with 891 yards, outpacing the likes of Breece Hall, Brian Robinson Jr., and David Montgomery.
Washington's front office seems to have shouted carpe diem, and concluded: "This kid's a budding superstar. We should make hay while the sun's shining on his rookie deal."
Key Offseason Moves
The Commanders poured draft capital and resources into supporting their sophomore signal-caller.
1) Acquired Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil as Daniels' Blindside Protector
Washington received Tunsil and 2025 pick 128 from the Houston Texans, giving up 2025 picks 93 and 236, and their 2026 second- and fourth-rounders in return.
"The best move [Washington] made this offseason was trading for Laremy Tunsil, the five-time Pro Bowl left tackle," NFL Analyst Marcus Mosher said. "Tunsil will turn 31 this offseason, but he is still among the best pass-blocking tackles in the NFL. Left tackle was an area of concern for the Commanders last year, and Tunsil will instantly be their best starter."
While Tunsil led the league with 19 penalties last season, his pass-blocking ranked fourth among 141 tackles. He'll provide a substantial upgrade over Brandon Coleman, who finished 72nd in the pass-blocking category and will compete with rookie Josh Conerly for a starting role on the right side.
Why it matters: Jayden Daniels will have more time in the pocket and get top-shelf blocking when he takes off on left-side scrambles or designed runs.
2) Added Deebo Samuel Sr.
Washington acquired Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. His contract was restructured to include $17 million guaranteed in 2025, with up to $3 million in additional incentives. The 29-year-old Samuel expressed enthusiasm about his deal: "I've got to give it my all. I've got to do all the things that I need to do to be the best version of myself when I come here."
Why it matters: Jayden Daniels gets a huge upgrade at WR2.
3) Retained the Full Coaching Staff
- General Manager: Adam Peters
- Head Coach: Dan Quinn
- Passing Game Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach: Brian Johnson
- Offensive Coordinator: Kliff Kingsbury
- Run Game Coordinator: Anthony Lynn
- Defensive Coordinator: Joe Whitt
- Linebackers Coach: Ken Norton
- Senior Defensive Assistant: John Pagano
Why it matters: Continuity. Jayden Daniels won't have to learn a new system or establish rapport with new coaches.
How the Draft Impacts Daniels' Fantasy Value
Washington went into the 2025 draft with needs at edge rusher, cornerback, offensive line, wide receiver, and running back. Here are the draft moves the Commanders made, and how they affect Jayden Daniels' prospects for the 2025 season.
- Pick 1.29 (29) - Josh Conerly Jr., Offensive Tackle, Oregon
The 6-foot-5, 311-pound Conerly chose to forego his senior year with the Ducks. He's an excellent physical prospect who should eventually inherit the Laremy Tunsil role at left tackle. In the interim, he's expected to play right tackle, fortifying Jayden Daniels' pass protection. - Pick 2.29 (61) - Trey Amos, Cornerback, Mississippi
Fills a defensive need. No direct fantasy impact. - Pick 4.26 (128) - Jaylin Lane, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech
A 5-foot-10, 191-pound speedster with elite separation skills. He'll contribute on special teams and offer vertical slot potential while developing behind McLaurin and Samuel. - Pick 6.29 (205) - Kain Medrano, Linebacker, UCLA
Depth pick. No direct impact on Daniels. - Pick 7.29 (245) - Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Running Back, Arizona
Croskey-Merritt earned offensive MVP honors at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. He has good burst, makes explosive cuts, and accelerates quickly. He's already 24, having experienced eligibility issues during his six-season college career. Washington running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler struggled with injuries last season and are in the final year of their respective contracts. Croskey-Merritt's passing game skills - both blocking and receiving - are underdeveloped, making him unlikely to contribute significantly this season.
What Could Derail the Daniels Hype-Train?
There's already a lot of helium in the Jayden Daniels balloon. He is ranked in the top tier of quarterbacks in Footballguys' preseason projections, so technically there's nowhere to go but down. Let's take a look at what might threaten these lofty expectations.