Patrick Mahomes is a fan of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 24-year-old QB may have fallen just short of securing a Super Bowl berth, but his rookie season will be one to remember for a long time.
The former LSU Tigers quarterback, who led Washington to an NFC Championship appearance, has earned the respect of the three-time Super Bowl champion.
Patrick Mahomes Predicts Greatness for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to chase history with a potential three-peat, Mahomes took a moment to praise Daniels for his outstanding first year in the NFL.
“Extremely talented,” Mahomes said when asked about Daniels ahead of Super Bowl 59. “I think from watching the tape, especially watching the games he played against the Eagles this year, it was cool to see his progression throughout the season from the games that he played, and you can tell he got better and better.”
Given Daniels’ numbers — 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and nearly 900 rushing yards — it’s easy to see why he’s the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“And that’s what you want to do in the NFL. You can be talented and make all the throws, but can you progress? And can you learn what the offenses are doing to account for you and get better from that? And it seemed like he did that all year long. It’s going to be just the start of a great career. So, extremely talented, great football player, and (he) deserves all the honors that he’ll get,” Mahomes added.
Patrick Mahomes on Jayden Daniels
(q: @JPFinlayNBCS)"You can be talented…but can you progress…learn what defenses are doing to account for you & get better from that and it seemed like he did that…it's going to just be the start of a great career"#RaiseHail #Commanders pic.twitter.com/BLRZhelAqO
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) February 5, 2025
According to PFN, Daniels posted a regular season QB+ of 85.3 (ninth in the NFL) and improved to 86.1 in the playoffs (fifth overall). He thrived under pressure, leading the league with a 0.54 EPA per dropback in pressure situations during Wild Card Weekend.
Mahomes, meanwhile, finished with a regularsSeason QB+ of 84.4 (10th overall), just behind Daniels. Unlike previous seasons, Mahomes didn’t dominate statistically, but he remained as efficient as ever. His 47.8% third-down conversion rate led the NFL, showcasing his ability to keep drives alive in crucial moments. However, his 0.25 EPA per dropback from a clean pocket ranked 18th, and his 11 interceptions were a concern.
While Daniels isn’t on Mahomes’ level just yet, his ability to process defenses and improve throughout the season suggests he’s on the right trajectory. His rookie campaign was filled with highs and a few bumps along the way. Daniels’ playoff run included a massive upset over the top-seeded Detroit Lions. However, it was halted by the mighty Philadelphia Eagles, who are meeting Mahomes and Co. in Super Bowl 59.
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Now, Washington’s challenge is to build around its young superstar. The front office finds itself in a comfortable setting with more than $60+ million in cap space and seven draft picks. With sufficient resources, the Commanders can surround the 2023 Heisman winner with the right talent.
The infrastructure is in place, and if Daniels continues his upward trajectory, Washington could emerge as a legitimate contender in the NFC for years to come.