Jayden Daniels was the feel-good story of the 2024 season as he led the Washington Commanders to an unlikely NFC Championship game appearance in his rookie year. The phenomenally gifted quarterback used his blend of accuracy, composure, and mobility to cause endless problems for opposing defenses.
Heading into the player’s second year in the league, former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears has made a bold claim about Daniels’ 2025 prospects.
Marcus Spears Makes Bold Jayden Daniels Claim Ahead of 2025 Season
Spears spent eight years in the NFC East with the Cowboys, making 93 starts for the five-time Super Bowl winners. The defensive end faced Washington on 15 occasions throughout his career, winning seven of those contests.
When asked about Daniels and the chance of the quarterback enduring a sophomore slump, Spears downplayed those fears, lauding the player’s ability.
“Usually, when we talk about these quarterbacks, and the reason we talked about C.J. Stroud after his rookie year, because of the processing, and how fast they were able to play from their mind. So, if [Daniels is] getting smarter, I expect him to be the best quarterback in the NFC East.”
“I expect him to be the best quarterback in the NFC East.”@Mspears96 has high expectations for Jayden Daniels going into next season 👀 pic.twitter.com/lI7Q4EWYs1
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 25, 2025
Spears’ expectations won’t be easy for Daniels to fulfill, up against two Super Bowl winners in Jalen Hurts and Russell Wilson, and the 2023 MVP runner-up, Dak Prescott. The young quarterback should feel confident, though, fresh off an Offensive Rookie of the Year award for 2024.
Spears Suggests that Daniels’ Arm Talent is Overlooked Due to His Rushing Ability
Daniels entered the NFL with a reputation for making huge plays with his legs. The quarterback drew comparisons to Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson for his dual-threat ability, something he showcased in his rookie year. The player’s ability to deliver with his arm, in the biggest moments, though, impresses Spears the most.
“When we got the question for the show today, we didn’t talk about Jayden Daniels’ legs; we didn’t talk about all of the crazy plays that he made. We talked about his clutch, ability to push the football down the field, his ability to move the football with his arm.
“Those are the things that we got so excited about, and that’s the things that we should be excited about, headed into the second year.”
Daniels ranked in the top 10 for both completion percentage and touchdown percentage in 2024, but was sacked on 8.92% of his drop-backs, the seventh-highest rate in the league.
Offensive line additions Laremy Tunsil (trade) and Josh Conerly (draft) should help keep the quarterback upright, allowing for even more magic in 2025.