The Washington Commanders are reportedly leaning toward drafting a quarterback prospect who likely wouldn’t sign with the team in free agency. Of course, that happens every year, as draft decisions are a one-way street that belongs to NFL franchises.
The Washington Commanders irritated a QB
What is abnormal is when a high-profile prospect’s agent appears to question a team publicly. As previously discussed on GH, the betting markets changed for the Commanders’ No. 2 pick after Daniels’ agent liked a Tweet that took a shot at the pre-draft strategy of Washington’s front office:
“They made headlines when they hosted over 20 prospects simultaneously for their official 30 visit this week. Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniel’s agent, Ron Butler, didn’t care for the non-exclusive meeting with the Commanders’ brass.
Following Butler’s likes on X, the odds shifted dramatically from Daniels being the favorite to be drafted by the Commanders to a tie between him and former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.”
On Friday, Adam Schefter with ESPN said Daniels had been “tracking” toward being the Commanders’ pick before the pre-draft visit. But he hinted things might have changed since it had become public that Daniels wants to play for other teams besides the Commanders:
“We’ll see what the Washington Commanders do with that information,” Shefter said.
Jayden Daniels is still tracking towards going No. 2
Not much seems to have changed over the weekend. Schefter reported Monday morning where the Commanders stand a few days before the draft. He wrote the Commanders are leaning toward taking Daniels, and Daniels is willing to accept that fate:
“Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels (LSU) knows he’s entering the draft, not free agency, which is why he is ready to accept wherever he is selected and attempt to become the face of that franchise. While Daniels would have liked more face time with Commanders officials during his visit last week — which included three of the other top quarterbacks in the class — the signs continue to point to Washington taking him at No. 2.
The Commanders have been highly impressed with Daniels’ abilities…
Washington still is going through its process, but Daniels is the favorite to be its pick.”
Will Daniels ask for a trade?
One has to wonder if Daniels will really accept the Commanders’ selection or if he will try to force a trade to another team like John Elway or Eli Manning did. One difference here is that Elway and Manning went as the No. 1 pick in their respective drafts, while Daniels would go No. 2 with the Commanders.
Daniels has less leverage than if he were in Caleb Williams’ shoes this month. However, Daniels has to look out for his interest in the draft. Ending up in a bad situation could cost him tens of millions of dollars when his rookie contract is up.
And when his rookie contract is up, Daniels will be free to sign with any team he chooses.
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