Jayden Daniels Leads Commanders OTAs with New Under-Center Role

After winning the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback Jayden Daniels was limited to seven games in 2025 by knee, hamstring and elbow injuries, and Washington fell to 5-12. The team replaced offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough and announced a shift to a pro-style system that emphasizes under-center dropbacks, hand-offs and play-action.

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At the first Phase-Three OTA on May 27, Daniels took a heavier under-center load than his 31 career snaps, completing a play-action pass to Terry McLaurin and a bootleg out-route. He showed “efficient throwing” and fluid movement, and the snap exchange with center Nick Allegretti was smooth. New pieces—tight end Chig Okonkwo, rookie receiver Antonio Williams, and running back Rachaad White—were integrated, and the session recorded 100 % attendance.

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Dan Quinn called Daniels a “relentless competitor,” praising his “work ethic and mental quickness” and noting “he makes things that are difficult look easy.” Blough said the new scheme will give Daniels “more under-center dropbacks, hand-offs and play-action” to diversify the attack. Guard Sam Cosmi observed that Daniels “has been studying it the whole offseason” and that his confidence is rising across the unit.

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Analysts compare the transition to Kyler Murray’s move from shotgun to under-center, citing Murray’s early statistical boost but later injuries and benchings. The added under-center workload therefore raises durability concerns for Daniels.

Heavy

Sources differ on the exact number of under-center snaps Daniels took; some describe “multiple” snaps, others refer to “a heavier load,” and no official count has been released.

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• “If you don't feel you have something to prove then you shouldn't be in this profession,” — Jayden Daniels, quarterback

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• “He makes things that are difficult look easy,” — Dan Quinn, head coach

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• “I don’t have a sense on it. That is my brother. We have a personal relationship, but his football future is out of my control.” — Jayden Daniels, on Brandon Aiyuk

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• “I’m super excited that we got Chig. I’m excited about how he plays. He plays fast. Everything is 100 percent with him. He’s smart and has been in this league for some time and now he gets to go out and show his talents on a bigger stage and have a bigger role in the offense.” — Jayden Daniels, on tight end Chig Okonkwo

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• “Quinn called him "one of the fastest learners.” — Dan Quinn, on Daniels’ mental quickness

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Washington has eight more OTA sessions, a mandatory minicamp in mid-June and a full training camp before the 2026 season opener. Observers will watch whether Daniels’ expanded under-center role improves offensive efficiency and durability.

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