Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is well aware of the QB carousel that’s been ongoing in the nation’s capital. With things continuously changing for the Commanders under center, drafting Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick is something McLaurin and the franchise hope stops that vicious cycle.
Terry McLaurin Heaps Praise On Rookie QB Jayden Daniels
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has been brought to Washington to change the fortunes of a struggling franchise. While the hope is there to do just that, Daniels and those around him know it can’t — and won’t — happen overnight.
Despite Daniels still being new to the organization, McLaurin likes what he is seeing from his new QB, and he discussed that with the media on Tuesday.
McLaurin called Daniels “really prepared” and said that “there’s an open door of communication” as he and the rest of the team prepare for the upcoming season. McLaurin also mentioned it’s a first for him to work with a young QB who “knows who he is, but he’s also not afraid to say when he’s wrong.”
“He’s humble, but he’s confident in his ability,” McLaurin said, per the Commanders’ official site. “He’s played at the highest level. He’s played against really good competition, and he knows that he can make all the throws. He’s not putting the cart before the horse. He’s literally taking this thing day by day.”
McLaurin, Commanders Hope Daniels Ends Revolving Door of QBs
Since Kirk Cousins left for Minnesota at the end of the 2017 season, there has been an ongoing pursuit for the next franchise QB in Washington. Since then, the Commanders have seen 12 different QBs start for the franchise, and the list of names who have been under center is less than inspiring.
With journeymen like Alex Smith, Josh Johnson, and Carson Wentz getting a crack at it, the Commanders also had career backups such as Colt McCoy, Kyle Allen, and even Mark Sanchez make appearances over the last six seasons.
The most stability Washington has seen as of late came by way of Sam Howell, who started the final game of the 2022 season before making all 17 starts for the Commanders in 2023. Howell has since been traded to the Seattle Seahawks as the Commanders decided he was no longer the man for the job, opting to draft Daniels instead to begin a new era.
Since last season, the Commanders have been under new ownership, and an entirely new fresh start for the organization has begun. They relieved Ron Rivera of his duties and hired Dan Quinn away from the Dallas Cowboys to be their new head coach, hoping Quinn could bring the type of leadership that players — especially young ones — would respond to.
Daniels joins a Washington franchise with a rocky history but one that is very much looking toward a brighter future. And it all starts with him. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a rookie QB, but the reality is a lot rides on the selection of the second-overall pick out of LSU.
The #Commanders find their franchise QB in Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. 🔥#HTTC | #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/N8TuqEdzxW
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
The belief Daniels can change the tide in Washington is why he was selected where he was. And while it is early, it looks like he is doing everything right in the eyes of his teammates.
Washington’s New-Look Offense in 2024
Daniels may be the most important addition to the Commanders in 2024. However, he certainly wasn’t the only one. This year’s version of the Commanders under Quinn is going to look vastly different at every turn, and that includes on the offensive side of the ball.
Veteran RB Austin Ekeler will take over the RB1 role, while former Cowboys C Tyler Biadasz looks to bring strength and stability to the middle of the offensive line. Veteran TE Zach Ertz is also in the fold, and rookie newcomer Luke McCaffrey, brother of Christian, looks to be another pass-catching option for Daniels.
Quinn came to his once-division rival and identified weaknesses he spotted as an opponent, wasting no time addressing those needs as he took over in Washington.
It all begins with Daniels under center, and how he goes, the Commanders will ultimately go. However, it looks as if Washington is doing everything to put him in the best position to succeed in 2024.