Commanders have a big problem quietly brewing behind Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels is the superstar quarterback tasked with leading a new era of prosperity . But the Washington Commanders could have a problem quietly brewing behind the dynamic signal-caller.

Daniels took the field for the first (and only) time in the preseason on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a fleeting contribution that didn't include one pass attempt, but he whetted the appetite of fans by rushing for a score before going to the sidelines.

And that's where the complications began.

Commanders need a better QB3 to go behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota

Josh Johnson, who's played for more clubs than anyone in NFL history, looked shaky and indecisive under center . He failed to go through his progressions effectively and was hesitant to take risks. This was a step backward for the journeyman, but it's not like Sam Hartman fared much better.

The former undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame just doesn't look up to the r equired standard. Hartman is technically flawed and doesn't see the field very well. Forming a strong bond with Daniels is probably good enough for the practice squad, but his chances of making the 53-man roster appear bleak.

And then, there's Marcus Mariota.

The veteran backup is firmly entrenched as the No. 2 option behind Daniels once again. However, he's not practiced much in recent weeks and hasn't taken any preseason snaps due to injury. This isn't exactly ideal if the Commanders need to call upon his services at any stage.

Daniels is as tough as they come. He barely missed time last season despite suffering a broken rib against the Carolina Panthers. Perhaps the Commanders are just being overly cautious with Mariota, but the need to find a better No. 3 option in the worst-case scenario is becoming increasingly desirable.

Adam Peters will be monitoring developments closely. Final cuts are looming around the league, so alternative options will become readily available. What the general manager must figure out is whether they'd be an upgrade on Johnson and Hartman.

That's a pretty low bar based on their efforts throughout the preseason. Hartman is younger, so he might get to stay on the practice squad, but there is just no telling for sure. Johnson's time in the league is running out, so he might not get another opportunity elsewhere if the Commanders don't give him a reprieve.

Peters will know what more is needed. Whether he can find a suitable alternative to go behind Daniels and Mariota is another matter.

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