Jayden Daniels Named Commanders' QB1 Over Mariota; Will Start vs. Bucs in NFL Week 1

After selecting Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders will enter the season with him starting at quarterback.

The team announced on Monday that Daniels will be under center against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.

Daniels called it a "blessing" while speaking to reporters:

Coach Dan Quinn explained the decision on Monday, per The Athletic's Lauren Merola:

"As much as we knew Jayden would get there, (general manager) Adam (Peters) and I were most excited about watching how he would. The how has been absolutely outstanding. He went through the whole thing. He didn't miss a beat. He hit the targets.

"He's ready, and he's earned the right to do that."

There had been strong indications prior to the official announcement that Daniels would start in Week 1. He was listed as QB1 on the first unofficial depth chart released ahead of the preseason opener and started against the New York Jets on Aug. 10.

Daniels had a promising preseason debut. He was only on the field for the first drive, going 2-of-3 for 70 yards through the air and capping it off with a three-yard touchdown run.

The Commanders signed Marcus Mariota in free agency to a deal that at least suggested they could have used him as a starter at some point. His one-year contract is worth $6 million plus incentives that could push it up to $10 million.

Mariota signed with the club early in free agency and weeks before the draft, even though it was assumed the Commanders were going to draft a quarterback.

There wasn't much concern about Daniels' readiness for the NFL when he was drafted. B/R NFL scout Derrik Klassen wrote the reigning Heisman winner "handles himself like an experienced vet" as a passer and possesses a "calm demeanor" operating in the pocket.

Daniels also presents an element of excitement because of what he can do as a runner. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has experience working with a quarterback who boasts a similar skill set from his time as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals with Kyler Murray.

Mariota gives Washington a solid fallback option if Daniels struggles in his first exposure to NFL defenses or suffers an injury. The 30-year-old owns a 34-40 record in 74 games as a starter since 2015.

Ultimately, though, Daniels being successful is the most important thing for the Commanders in 2024. He will only have the chance to prove that by getting reps in games.

Washington is wasting no time in seeing what Daniels can do for the offense. He will make his first career start on Sept. 8 at Raymond James Stadium.