Jayden Daniels’ ‘more armor’ Commanders transformation will be crucial to keep him healthy

It’s a good thing that Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is growing a connection with Terry McLaurin. And perhaps he will find his WR2 in a surprise place. But he must stay healthy, and his more armor transformation is crucial to keeping him healthy.

It’s a matter of being built stronger, according to ESPN.

“He has bulked up somewhat with ‘more armor,’ per Quinn,” Jeremy Fowler wrote. “(Also,) the Commanders believe more under-center work will protect Daniels.”

Commanders hoping for big things from QB Jayden Daniels

Even though Daniels will be working in a new offense under David Blough, he still carries the things that made him great as a rookie in 2024.

“His ball placement is still elite, and the new offense hasn’t changed that,” Fowler wrote. “He has a knack for putting the ball on a receiver while protecting them from defenders.”

That’s one reason why his receivers respect him. And it starts from the top with McLaurin.

“I think we both see the game the same way,” McLaurin said. “We understand spacing, leverage, man and zone. … It’s just fun to be able to work with a guy like that. And you just see him continuing to grow as a leader. His vocalness is definitely standing out even more. He’s a laid-back guy, but when he says things, you definitely listen. It’s definitely continued to grow our connection.”

Daniels threw for 3,568 yards as a rookie, totaling 25 touchdown tosses and getting picked off only nine times. However, he played in only seven games in 2025, finishing with 1,262 yards, eight TDs, and three interceptions. If you carried that pace to 17 games, you can see the numbers slip: 3,064 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

So, there’s room to prove 2024 wasn’t a splash in the ocean. And he’s off to a good start, according to commanders.com.

“It was Daniels’ best day of camp so far, as he spread the ball around to multiple receivers and looked comfortable in the backfield,” Zach Selby wrote. “Throws were delivered on time. He avoided pressure. And he showed off his arm strength on a few occasions.”

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