Jayden Daniels, Deebo Samuel Reportedly 'Off to a Hot Start' After Commanders Trade

The Washington Commanders made the NFC Championship Game in Jayden Daniels' rookie season, but they might be even better in his second thanks to the addition of veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

At least that's what the early indications reportedly suggest.

"He was so good that people wonder like, 'Hey, is there going to be a sophomore slump here?' I was told that the Commanders are not worried about that for a few reasons," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday's SportsCenter. "No. 1, Daniels is a maniacal worker. He's like a 5 a.m.-er type in the building. So, he's putting in the hours, no problem. 

"He's also taken off to a hot start with Deebo Samuel, the receiver they acquired recently in the offseason, to get those easy yards. You know, screen passes, plays over the middle, even some rushing attacks. So, they feel like that's all good."

Terry McLaurin was the only Washington wide receiver to finish last season with more than 506 receiving yards, so adding such a dangerous playmaker who can take advantage of single coverage in the slot and downfield will make the Commanders all the more difficult to stop.

But the NFC East team first has to ensure that McLaurin will be out there with Samuel, as the former is entering the final season of his contract with training camp and a potential holdout looming.

"The one thing that could hurt Jayden Daniels right now is Terry McLaurin," Fowler said. "Is he going to be there for training camp because of his contract situation? Not happy with where things are with an extension. So, they have a couple of weeks here to make progress, but he needs McLaurin there at camp."

ESPN's Adam Schefter also recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and reported there has not been progress in the contract negotiations:

McLaurin's overall importance to Daniels' development gives the wide receiver more leverage, and it would be shocking if Washington doesn't find a way to make it work. After all, it is in the middle of a win-now window with the quarterback in the early stages of a rookie contract, and the Samuel addition loses some of its overall value if McLaurin isn't also on the field.

For now, Commanders fans can take solace knowing Daniels and Samuel seem to already have a connection.

It wasn't that long ago the veteran receiver was a Pro Bowler with 1,405 receiving yards and an NFL-best 18.2 yards per catch in 2021, and having chemistry with the young quarterback is the best way to return to that form.

If he does and McLaurin is available with a potential new contract, Washington's aerial attack will be daunting for opposing secondaries.