The Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels took the NFL world by storm last season. In his rookie campaign, Jayden transformed the franchise from also-rans to contenders
Yes, he had help from general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn doing their bit, but Daniels was the centerpiece. Taking a four-win team to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship appearance is a big leap, and the franchise recognized the opportunity this offseason.
Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel were traded for, boosting two key positions as the franchise looks to avoid a sophomore slump from Daniels.
For CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan, in his latest NFC rankings, Washington comes in at No. 3 with only the Detroit Lions (2) and Philadelphia Eagles (1) ahead of them, and he also had a message for those thinking a regression is coming.
"What will Jayden Daniels do for an encore after one of the most impressive rookie seasons we've ever seen?" Sullivan writes. "The Commanders did a strong job continuing to build around their young quarterback this offseason, pulling off blockbuster trades for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, along with wide receiver Deebo Samuel. With better protection for Daniels and a continued boost on defense, there's no reason to expect a second-year slump from Washington."
The offseason by Washington has been as solid as one could hope for, and the big swings with Deebo and Tunsil signal their intent - it's Super Bowl or bust in 2025.
We have seen quarterbacks who set the league on fire in Year 1, take a step back in Year 2 (see C.J. Stroud last year), but just because some see a regression coming for Daniels doesn't mean he will be bad.
A 10-7 season is still a win in Year 2, and the Commanders' roster is built with playoff football in mind, which, for most, is the bare minimum requirement in 2025.
The Commanders managed to lurk in the shadows for much of last season, but now the NFL world knows they're coming, which puts pressure to play well week in and week out.
Daniels showed he is the franchise quarterback the Commanders have been after for years, and we will see if he can avoid the infamous "sophomore slump" in his second season.
And many think he will.
