The Washington Commanders have officially announced that rookie Jayden Daniels will be their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season. The Commanders posted a picture of their new QB on X with the caption: “Jayden Daniels has been named the starting quarterback”

Commanders coach Dan Quinn also announced the news on Monday. Daniels – coming off a two-year stint at LSU and the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner – beat out journeyman backup Marcus Mariota and undrafted rookie Sam Hartman for the role after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft last April.

Daniels has been working with the first team exclusively in training camp for the past three weeks, and has also started both of the first two preseason games;   In two preseason games, Daniels completed 12-of-15 passes for 123 yards at the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

While Daniels was expected to be Washington’s Week 1 quarterback, Coach Dan Quinn did not want to make that decision before training camp.  Said Quinn: “He went through the whole thing .. He didn’t miss a beat. He hit all the targets we put in front of him. He’s ready, and he’s earned the right to do that.

The Commanders open the 2024 NFL season against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sept. 8 at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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