Quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders have agreed to a four-year, $37.75 million, fully guaranteed rookie scale contract. The deal comes with a $24.3 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option in 2028.
The contract comes after the Commanders selected Daniels second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, one spot after Caleb Williams. Daniels will earn a $795,000 base salary and his signing bonus during his rookie season. However, the signing bonus will be prorated for salary cap purposes.
After 2024, his base salary will increase to $2.5 million (2025), $4.2 million (2026), and $5.9 million (2027). Meanwhile, his cap hit is as follows: $6.8 million (2024), $8.5 million (2025), $10.2 million (2026), and $12 million (2027).
The #Commanders and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels have agreed to terms on his rookie contract and Daniels has signed, per @Agentbutler1.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 14, 2024
He gets a slotted 4-year, $37.75M fully guaranteed deal that includes a $24.3M signing bonus. The highest draft pick to sign. pic.twitter.com/VfIbi2KY8U
The Commanders have high hopes for Daniels after he won the 2023 Heisman Trophy. During that season, he had 3,812 passing yards, 1,134 rushing yards, and 50 touchdowns (40 passing) for LSU. Washington hopes that Daniels can bring his mobility to the NFL and give the franchise their first bona fide starting quarterback since Joe Theismann.
However, as talented as Daniels is, he will compete for the starting quarterback role with Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel, and Sam Hartman. Mariota had prior experience as a starter with the Tennessee Titans.
If Daniels wins the starting role, fantasy football owners can consider him a QB2 who can deliver additional yards and touchdowns through the ground. That versatility could make him a prime candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
-Lance Fernandez