The Washington Commanders did a good job of not showing their hand. While there was an abundance of speculation and guesstimations as to who they would pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there were never any real hints on which direction they would go.
So, the rest of the NFL, and the actual pick himself, had to wait for the commissioner to call his name. For Jayden Daniels, it was worth the wait.
"My childhood dream came true," Daniels said. "I'm blessed to be here and be able to hear my name called."
The Commanders have been in dire need of an answer at quarterback, not just for the last few months, but for the better part of two decades spanning three team names. Though Daniels is far from being the missing piece that will lead Washington to the playoffs, he is the most important one as general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn try to recalibrate the franchise.
Daniels is already embracing that responsibility and his role on the team.
"I'm here now," Daniels said. "I can't wait to get to work."
Check out the top photos of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels from his days at LSU and Arizona State. (Photos via The Associated Press)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws the ball against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Charles Turner (69) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles for a 35-yard run past the Purdue defense including safety Antonio Stevens (35) during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU running back Logan Diggs (3) takes a handoff from quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries past Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York (21) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs against Georgia State linebacker Jontrey Hunter (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels throws for a first down against Colorado during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with his parents on senior day, for his final home game, before an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to throw as UNLV defensive lineman Kolo Uasike (94) pursues during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes under pressure in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels, right, hands off to running back Rachaad White during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UCLA Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) performs in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a first down against Southern California's Isaiah Pola-Mao (21) and Kana'i Mauga (26) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass in the first half of the Southeastern Conference Championship football game against Georgia Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) pushes through an attempted tackle by Mississippi State safety Isaac Smith (20) for a second half touchdown during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. LSU won 41-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before an NCAA football game against Mississippi State on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) tries to find a hole in the Arkansas defense as he runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries on a keeper in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws the ball against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries as Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) pursues in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries for a gain in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates his touchdown against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. LSU won 41-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown thrown by LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass against Kent State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, left, runs from Missouri linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper, right, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Arizona State Jayden Daniels scrambles to score a touchdown against Washington in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to throw during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Arizona State Jayden Daniels scrambles to score a touchdown against Washington in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks on the sideline the sideline in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates his touchdown with LSU wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) breaks away from Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (1) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles as he tries to get away from Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with offensive lineman Charles Turner (69) after scoring a 2-point conversion during overtime of the team's NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels looks for a receiver against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs during the first half of an NCAA football game against Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles from the pocket as Florida linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) can't make the tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) jogs between drills before an NCAA football game against Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs before the first half of an NCAA football game against Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
DFILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) breaks away from Georgia State safety TyGee Leach (29) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Daniels was selected as The Associated Press college football player of the year, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, the school's second winner in the past five seasons. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton, File)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries on a keeper near the goal line in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks for a receiver against Purdue during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Arizona State's Jayden Daniels (5) slips the tackle of Arizona's Finton Connolly (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. Florida State won 24-23. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball to score a touchdown during overtime of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is tripped up as he carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs off the field following a win over Florida in an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks for a receiver as Purdue defensive end Kydran Jenkins puts on pressure during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Mississippi linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste (11) tackles LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Mississippi 55-49. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) rolls out to pass against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during an NCAA football game against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels gestures during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UCLA Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Pasadena, Calif. Arizona State won 42-23. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws against UNLV during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is stopped by Florida safety Kamari Wilson, right, and linebacker Brenton Cox Jr., left, as he tries to run from the pocket during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is tackled by Alabama linebacker Jaylen Moody (42) and Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15) in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) tries to escape the grasp of Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson in the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Stanford defensive end Tucker Fisk, right front, helps sacks Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball to score a touchdown during overtime of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. LSU won 32-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs during the first half of an NCAA football game against Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs a play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles under pressure from Florida State defensive lineman Patrick Payton (56) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels scores on a carry as Washington's Cooper McDonald defends duirng the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels runs against Arizona in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels runs the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks during practice before the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) avoids the tackle of UNLV linebacker Jacoby Windmon (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels is sacked by Oregon State defensive back Mason Moran during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Oregon State won 35-34. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is pressured by Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner while throwing a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels lifts college football's Heisman Trophy after winning it in New York, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (Todd Van Emst/Pool Photo via AP)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball past Alabama linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Daniels comes to Washington after one of the most successful careers for a college quarterback in recent memory. He's the first player in FBS history to throw for at least 12,000 career passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. That five-year stint at LSU and Arizona State was highlighted by a stellar senior season with the Tigers, as Daniels hit career-highs in completion rate (72.2%), passing yards (3,812) and passing touchdowns (40).
While Daniels was a proficient pocket passer, his ability to hurt defenses with his legs when plays break down -- something Quinn has often highlighted as a key quality for modern quarterbacks -- is what makes him such a unique prospect. He had 41 runs of at least 10 yards with 565 yards after contact and 51 rushing first downs. He ranked third among 73 Power Five quarterbacks with a rushing grade of 92.4.
Daniels brings that talent to an offense learning a new system under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders never revealed much about their intentions to draft him, but he liked bits they did give him on how they could use him.
"I was pretty confident...off the conversation that we had that I was able to come here and fit into the Commanders' team," Daniels said.
Daniels is coming to an offense that is built with a quarterback's development in mind. Several of the coaches, from Tavita Pritchard and David Blough to passing game coordinator Brian Johnson, have some experience developing young signal-callers, particularly those with Daniels' skill set, and guiding them in their careers.
Kingsbury is at the center of it all. He has a long resume of working with some of the best professional and college quarterbacks, including Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Johnny Manziel, Case Keenum and Kyler Murray.
The track record, Daniels said, speaks for itself.
"Kliff was over there with Kyler [as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach]...and for quite some time, he had Kyler in the MVP conversation. So, I was excited to be able to just chop it up and talk ball with him."
In the months between now and when Peters and Quinn first got hired, the two have been working towards building a team that would put a young quarterback in the best position to succeed. On offense, they've paired players like Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson with veteran playmakers like Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz. They bolstered the offensive line with Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti, both set to start and improve an offensive line that struggled to protect their quarterbacks in 2023.
Daniels is familiar with the work Peters did with the San Francisco 49ers, who are now perennial playoff contenders thanks in part to the players Peters advocated for. Daniels called Peters "a dude" and has full confidence in Peters' ability to inject the roster with talent.
He can't wait to meet his new teammates.
"I know Jahan previously. We're kind of around the same age. What Terry has done at the next level, you got a great runner back in Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler, those guys are very explosive players ... I'm just happy to come in and learn how to be a pro."
Daniels knows that he isn't going to have all the answers this early in his career. He's been speaking to 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk multiple times a day, picking his brain for advice on how he can succeed in the league. He's excited to do the same with his new teammates and hear their perspective on how he can help the team.
But Daniels also believes he has some skills that he can offer right now. Asked what the Commanders are getting in him, Daniels said, "A competitor, a leader, but somebody who just wants to win at all costs and help the team win no matter what, because it is team first always."
The Commanders have been waiting for a quarterback to provide stability at the position and lead them to a level of success they haven't experienced in decades. That's a lot of responsibility to put on one person, especially one that turned 23 years old last December, but Daniels won't be asked to do it all because of how the team has been structured over the past few months.
He's willing to do whatever he can to help, though.
"At some point in the future, we'll get this thing turned around," Daniels said. "But...I'm willing to work and put everything out there on the line."
