Jayden Daniels Calls Commanders 'My Team for Sure' After Bobby Wagner's Exit

Jayden Daniels says he feels "for sure" like the Washington Commanders are his team to lead heading into his third NFL season.

Daniels spoke about taking on a bigger leadership role Wednesday after the Commanders kicked off training camp without veteran free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner.

"When Bobby was here, obviously you have a Hall of Fame linebacker, Hall of Fame player that's done a lot, a big brother to me and stuff like that," Daniels told reporters Wednesday. "I kind of picked up on stuff that he did, and how he led, and how he used his voice in certain situations.

"And now he's not here, so it's like, now it's my team for sure."

Commanders coach Dan Quinn previously told reporters ahead of Wednesday's opening of training camp he felt Wagner's departure could create an opportunity for other players to step up as leaders.

"There's a number of guys that I'm looking to see take that step, and sometimes you need that spot to be available to do that," Quinn said. "And so, where we all looked to Bobby in that spot, maybe now is my time to go for it and dig in."

Daniels may have already been following that plan. General manager Adam Peters credited Daniels Wednesday with providing "great leadership" while helping his teammates adjust to a new offensive system this offseason.

The Commanders are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 finish to the 2025 season after replacing former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with David Blough.

Daniels' ability both to stay healthy and lead his team through the installation of Blough's new system will be key to the Commanders' hopes of making it back to the postseason this winter.