The ongoing Jayden Daniels NFL quarterback debate has taken a new turn as NFL legend Joe Theismann defended the Washington Commanders’ young quarterback against critics concerned about his slender build. At the same time, Theismann urged the Commanders to prioritize paying wide receiver Terry McLaurin, highlighting the urgency of securing the team‘s future. This conversation unfolds as the 2025 NFL season approaches, with Daniels preparing for a crucial second year in the league and McLaurin entering the final year of his contract.
Jayden Daniels’ Physical Concerns and How He Defies Criticism
Before Jayden Daniels ever played a game for the Washington Commanders, his stature was a central topic among talent evaluators and analysts. Despite an outstanding college career at LSU, where he won the Heisman Trophy, questions lingered about whether his 6’4″, 210-pound frame was sufficient for the rigors of the NFL. An anonymous <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC executive famously told reporter Tom Pelissero bluntly,
The biggest thing I always worried about is [Daniels is] f—ing skinny. He didn’t take a picture at the combine, he didn’t weigh in at the combine — that’s all by f—ing design. He knows he’s f—ing skinny. You worry about him getting hurt,
underscoring the skepticism Daniels faced prior to the NFL Draft.
Despite this intense scrutiny, Daniels has demonstrated an ability to thrive physically and mentally at the professional level. Joe Theismann, a revered figure in Commanders history, has spoken candidly about the young quarterback‘s strengths, dismissing the “skinny” label. Theismann praised Daniels’ intelligence and self-awareness on the field, stating,
We really have somebody, I believe, that this franchise can take going forward,
and added,
Great work ethic. Terrific young man. Smart. Knows how to play. Everybody says, ‘You know, Joe, he’s (Daniels) so thin. He’s too skinny.’ No, he’s wiry and he’s smart. He protects himself.
This perspective aligns with coaches and analysts who comment on Daniels’ unique playing style. Rather than relying on pure brute strength, Daniels leverages speed, agility, and instincts to evade defenders and extend plays. In his rookie season, he led NFL quarterbacks with 864 rushing yards and forced 37 missed tackles, a statistic surpassed only by Lamar Jackson. Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner has also praised Daniels’ toughness, noting,
He’s just tough to bring down. People think that because of his size that he might slide or just go down. But sometimes he might try to finish a run, which I think, as a defender, you’ll respect.
As the upcoming season nears, Daniels has been focused on enhancing his physical condition. Washington’s offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury stated,
He’s still pretty lean, but he’s definitely worked really hard at his fitness and the weight room,
adding,
He knows what he has to do to protect himself and where he feels comfortable playing.
This disciplined approach indicates Daniels is preparing thoughtfully for the challenges ahead, motivating analysts and fans alike to reassess their views on his capacity to withstand the NFL’s physical demands.
Joe Theismann’s Call for Immediate Contract Action on Terry McLaurin
While Daniels prepares for his sophomore year, attention is also turning to the Commanders’ offensive weapons, most notably wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is in the final year of his contract. McLaurin’s impending free agency has sparked intense internal discussions about how to secure his future with the franchise as competition among elite wideouts drives market values upward.
The current market benchmarks set by players like Ja’Marr Chase earning $40 million per year, Tee Higgins at $28.75 million, and DK Metcalf with a $33 million annual deal have raised expectations for McLaurin’s own negotiations. However, despite reportedly positive discussions between McLaurin’s agent and Washington’s general manager Adam Peters, tension has emerged as McLaurin chose to skip the team’s OTAs and minicamp, signaling dissatisfaction and heightening the urgency around contract discussions.
Joe Theismann, deeply familiar with the Commanders organization and McLaurin’s value, did not hold back on the issue. Highlighting the wideout’s importance on and off the field, Theismann stated,
That would be a major problem for all of us that appreciate what the commanders have done, what Terry has done,
emphasizing,
Terry’s a dear friend. He’s just a great young man, a great leader…He needs to be paid. He needs to be paid right away.
Theismann underscored McLaurin’s blend of speed, toughness, and professionalism, insisting that the wide receiver’s skill set compares favorably with anyone in the NFL. He added,
I would put him up against anybody that plays wide receiver in the National Football League. I don’t care who it is. I don’t care how fast you are…I don’t care how tough you think you are. He encompasses it all. And from my perspective, that’s a deal that must get done and must get done soon.
The message from the former quarterback and Commanders icon is clear: the franchise must act decisively to retain McLaurin’s talents in the near term.
Potential Implications for the Commanders’ Strategy Moving Forward
The intersection of the Jayden Daniels NFL quarterback debate and Terry McLaurin’s contract situation places the Washington Commanders at a critical crossroads as they prepare for the 2025 season. Daniels’ emergence as a confident, versatile quarterback challenges the traditional focus on physical archetypes, while McLaurin’s uncertain contract status demands swift resolution from the front office.
General manager Adam Peters has publicly expressed optimism about keeping McLaurin in Washington, but the receiver’s absence from mandatory team activities raises questions about how long patience will last. With the regular training camp and preseason rapidly approaching, the pressure to finalize a contract extension intensifies, or else the risk of a trade request or a disruptive free agency looms large.
Meanwhile, the support from figures like Theismann bolsters Daniels’ position as the franchise quarterback of the future, signaling a commitment to building the team around his talents. The framing of Daniels as a smart, durable, and coachable leader gives the Commanders a promising foundation as they seek to elevate their competitiveness in the NFC East and beyond.
The coming weeks will reveal how Washington balances these dual priorities: securing McLaurin’s future with a timely contract extension and backing Daniels’ development as a cornerstone of the franchise. Both paths carry significant consequences for the team’s roster construction, salary cap management, and overall championship aspirations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What injury did Jayden Daniels suffer?
A. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels won’t participate in practice on Wednesday because of a rib injury. He got hurt during their 40-7 victory against the Carolina Panthers three days ago.
Q. Are Jayden Daniels parents?
A. Details About Jayden Daniels’ Parents, Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson
Q. What injury did Jayden Daniels have?
A. During Washington’s first drive, Daniels injured his ribs and was later confirmed unable to return to play.
Q. Who is Jayden Daniels dad?
A. Daniels’ parents are Javon “Jay” Daniels, who played college football as a cornerback for the Washington Huskies and Iowa State Cyclones in the late 1990s, and Regina Jackson, who manages his business and became an NFLPA-certified agent in 2024. He also has an older sister named Bianca.