ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Jayden Daniels’ injury-ridden second NFL season ended in December when the Washington Commanders opted to sit their franchise quarterback for the final three games to preserve his health.Daniels understood the decision but was disappointed and wanted to play.Eight months later, Daniels got his first chance to face another team when the Miami Dolphins arrived at the Commanders’ headquarters on Wednesday for a joint practice. The quarterback put on a show in front of a crowd that included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and rapper Wale.“It’s a new year,” Daniels said. “I don’t want to compare what I did my first two years. Now I’m on to a new season, a new year. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself every day.”The first competition consisted of 1-on-1 drills between wide receivers and defensive backs. Daniels was surgical throughout, completing 11 of 13 passes, including touchdowns to Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks.
During red zone 11-on-11 drills, Daniels found Diggs for a touchdown on a perfect throw to the back corner of the end zone.Diggs, who signed with the Commanders just last week, was a frequent target of Daniels throughout the day. The duo has already built chemistry — largely thanks to Diggs’ ability to find open space.
