Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and helped turn the franchise around this season with a 12-5 record and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.
He was signed to a four-year rookie contract worth $37.75 million, which includes a $24.3 million signing bonus. The deal is fully guaranteed, with an average annual value of $9.4 million. The contract also features a fifth-year team option for the 2028 campaign.
Fans took to social media to troll Daniels, comparing his salary to Carson Beck’s NIL deal.
Fans Troll Jayden Daniels’ Salary Report
Daniels signed his contract in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which means it cannot be changed or renegotiated once it is signed.
Andrew Brandt tweeted on Jan. 19: “Over the next two seasons, Jayden Daniels will make a total of $6.75 million. With, per the CBA, no ability to renegotiate. For 2025 and 2026, he will be the best value in the NFL, and it won’t be close.”
Over the next two seasons, Jayden Daniels will make a total of $6.75 million.
With, per the CBA, no ability to renegotiate.
For 2025 and 2026, he will be the best value in the NFL, and it won't be close.— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) January 19, 2025
Seeing the dynamic player’s contract, which is relatively modest for someone of his caliber and with his potential to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, fans in the comment section couldn’t help but troll the numbers.
One compared Daniels’ salary to how much Miami’s quarterback Carson Beck is making through NIL deals.
“Almost making Carson Beck money…..,” a fan said.
Beck has earned close to $10 million via NIL over the past year. He will reportedly receive $4 million in 2025 for joining the Hurricanes and still has contracts with brands such as Beats by Dre, Powerade, and Chipotle. The $10 million made him one of the highest-paid players in college football.
“Crazy, yes. But Jayden starting the clock on his second contract is invaluable vs Beck who lost substantial draft value this past season due to injury/performance. Cementing why QB rookie contracts are the best values in sports. Plus college collectives are insane,” a fan explained.
NFL rookie contracts are often neither here nor there. However, every player picked in the top 10 last year signed a deal worth at least $5 million per year.
“Thats the nfl for rookies. Pay you for where you are drafted then u earn the right to be paid more. He will make plenty of money off the field if he has the right marketing people around him,” another fan added.
“Non story, we have a rookie salary cap for good reason. Detroit had 5 TOs and that was the difference. Peyton Manning understands too well,” a fan noted.
“I hope he stays healthy because then he’ll become the highest paid player in football,” a fan wrote.
One fan pointed out the money left over for the Commanders to acquire other talented players to pair with Daniels.
“That creates a huge window for the Washington commanders… They can overpay any other position… They should be in a Super Bowl in the next three years…”
As of September 2024, Daniels had an NIL deal valuation of $2.2 million. The rookie accumulated 3,568 yards for 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions during the regular season.