Jayden Daniels Named QB1 for Commanders vs. Jets After Caleb Williams Sat for Bears

Washington Commanders fans won't have to wait long to see their new franchise quarterback in game action.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Tuesday that rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels will start during Saturday's preseason opener against the New York Jets.

While it may not be a surprise, it is still notable the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft will play in his team's preseason opener after the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, did not play in the Chicago Bears' victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday.

Chicago will play four preseason games compared to the three for most teams because it participated in the Hall of Fame Game, so Williams will still have plenty of opportunities to take the field before he is tasked with becoming the franchise quarterback the Bears have long been missing.

ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported the plan was for the USC product to see 45 to 55 snaps during the preseason:

As for Daniels, he will see his first snaps against the Jets.

"I think we've probably said it all along there's been a whole process," Quinn told reporters when discussing the decision. "Like, it's not been a secret at all but a process of how we're going to go get guys ready. So, the games are important, to go and play and get ready—not just with Jayden, but with everybody."

Daniels is the clear-cut quarterback of the future for the Commanders, but they haven't yet named him the starter as he continues to compete with Marcus Mariota. Mariota would lend a veteran presence to the position, although he is likely not someone who is going to be more than a place-holder until the rookie is ready.

An impressive showing against the Jets could accelerate the timeline for Daniels, who is coming off a Heisman Trophy season at LSU.

He completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions while adding 1,134 yards and 10 scores on the ground as a runner during that Heisman campaign. The ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will prove crucial if the Commanders are going to make a leap.

Washington is coming off a 4-13 record and last-place finish in the NFC East. Asking Daniels to elevate it to a playoff team in his first year may be too much, but the team is surely looking for improvement.

And the path to that improvement starts in the preseason opener.