Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels runs away from New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

How Commanders' Jayden Daniels can run away with NFL MVP

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene as a rookie, becoming one of the best players in the league from the jump.

Now, Daniels hopes his second season can mimic his success from the first, and possibly even go a step further in the right direction.

ESPN insider Dan Graziano believes Daniels has what it takes to become an MVP candidate this season.

Daniels can enter MVP conversation

"The second pick of the 2024 draft, Daniels was a revelation as a rookie, leading the Commanders all the way to the NFC Championship Game," Graziano wrote.

"Washington added Laremy Tunsil at left tackle and Deebo Samuel Sr. at wide receiver. It kept the coaching staff together. And it now enters Daniels' second season with high hopes to go even further. (Not that there's much further it could go!) Will the league figure out Daniels in Year 2, or will he build on his historic rookie season and establish himself as one of the NFL's elites right away?"

There is potential for Daniels to take a step back in 2025, mainly because he has such a high bar for expectations. It won't be easy for him to maintain the type of play he was able to showcase last season.

On top of that, teams are better equipped to compete against him, and that means he will see different looks this season than he did a year ago.

However, Daniels was able to tackle any task thrown at him last season, and if he shows that same resolve in 2025, he will officially cement himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.