Commander Country

Commanders must take advantage with Jayden Daniels rookie contract

Jayden Daniels is getting paid very little for his efforts, putting the Washington Commanders in position to spend elsewhere.
Sep 23, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium.
Sep 23, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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The Washington Commanders have four years where quarterback Jayden Daniels will be getting paid far less than what he is worth.

Daniels proved in his rookie season that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but Washington doesn't have to pay him more than his rookie contract until 2029.

During this time, the Commanders should look to spend in other areas of the roster.

READ MORE: Stephen A. Smith calls out ESPN for firing former Commanders QB

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass
Dec 1, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Daniels on the cheap

"The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, and one of the dozen or so most impactful players in the sport, is merely the 25th-highest-paid player at his position," Bleacher Report contributor Brad Gagnon writes.

The Commanders have already been aggressive in this regard, trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel while also adding cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline.

With Daniels only needing a little wedge of the team's cap space, the Commanders should fill out the rest of the roster with top-dollar players at all of the other positions, increasing Washington's chances of winning a Super Bowl.

READ MORE: New Commanders' division rival planning on leading Giants on all fronts

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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• Commanders should still be targeting $30+ million edge defender


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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