Commanders name Jayden Daniels starting quarterback

Dan Quinn made a decision: Jayden Daniels will be the Washington Commanders’ starting QB in 2024.

The Heisman winner out of LSU beat out journeymen March Mariota and Jeff Driskel. Undrafted free agent Sam Hartman is also on the roster.

“He naturally has a good feel of where to position the ball, whether it’s an in-breaking route, out-breaking route, a ball down the field,” wideout Terry McLaurin said. “A lot of the things, he just naturally has the ability to have a feel for the game, which is very unique for any quarterback, but let alone a rookie.”

At LSU last season, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores.

The Commanders close the preseason against the New England Patriots. They open the regular season Sept. 8 at Tampa Bay.

“I like competing; I’m a competitor,” Daniels said. “Regardless of if I was announced the starter or not, you still gotta compete. You still can’t be content [with] your job, [be] comfortable and think it’s just your job and seal the deal. You gotta compete.”