Jayden Daniels Doesn't Hold Back On Disappointing 2025 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 5:55 PM ET

The 2025 season didn't go according to plan for Jayden Daniels.

Daniels began his NFL career as well as anybody could have imagined, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year before steering the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. However, he posted an 88.1 quarterback rating in a second season derailed by numerous injuries.

The Commanders officially shut down Daniels for the final three games of the season after he re-aggravated an elbow injury in a Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Daniels reflected on the "super tough" year on Tuesday.

"I don’t want to miss games at all," Daniels told reporters. "I've been frustrated this whole season missing games. I want to be out there to help my teammates as much as possible. It’s just been a frustrating year, a disappointing year. But you learn from it, and we'll move forward."

Daniels re-aggravated elbow injury

Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Daniels missed three straight games (all Commanders losses) with a dislocated elbow before returning on Dec. 7. Last year's No. 2 pick exited the 31-0 loss in the third quarter and sat out Sunday's win over the New York Giants.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said after the Vikings game that Daniels could have theoretically returned before confirming last Wednesday that the 24-year-old re-aggravated his injured elbow. Daniels cited adrenaline as the reason he initially thought he could still play, recalling that he realized there was an issue once he woke up the next morning.

He and the 4-10 team ultimately have no reason to take any chances in the final three weeks.

"Longevity is a big thing," Daniels said, "so you want to be smart with these types of things."

Daniels still wants to help Washington

He won't play again this season, but Daniels also isn't going home. The Heisman Trophy winner will still attend practices in hopes of learning and getting better for next season.

Daniels is ready to help in any way he can, even if it means preparing his defense for two upcoming matchups against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I'll be out there practicing," Daniels said. "Whatever they need me to do. If I got to do scout team, I'll have fun with that and give the best looks. Really, just be out here and be supportive to all my teammates and still be engaged and bring the juice and the energy."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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