If you’re still searching for "who is the quarterback for Washington Redskins," you might be a little behind on the times, but don't worry—most people honestly still use the old name out of habit. First things first: the team is officially the Washington Commanders now. And the man under center? That’s Jayden Daniels.
He isn't just "some guy" filling a jersey. He’s basically the franchise’s entire hope for the future. After years of a literal revolving door at the position—seriously, they've used over 30 starters since the late 90s—they finally seem to have found "The One."
The Current State of the Washington QB Room
Right now, as we head into early 2026, Jayden Daniels is the undisputed starter. He’s coming off a 2025 season that was a bit of a rollercoaster, mostly due to some tough injury luck. He only played about seven games this past year before a dislocated elbow sidelined him. It was a huge bummer for the fans, especially after he lit the league on fire during his rookie year in 2024.
When Daniels went down, things got a bit messy. The depth chart shifted around.
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- Marcus Mariota stepped in as the primary veteran backup.
- Josh Johnson and Jeff Driskel have been in the mix too.
- Sam Hartman is the young developmental piece they’re keeping an eye on.
Honestly, without Daniels, the offense just doesn't look the same. He has this rare "it" factor where he can scramble for 40 yards or drop a dime 50 yards downfield.
Why People Still Ask About the "Redskins" Quarterback
It’s funny how long names stick around. The team dropped the old moniker in 2020, went by the "Washington Football Team" for two years (which was kind of a vibe, honestly), and finally settled on Commanders in 2022. But if you’re looking for the lineage of the quarterback for Washington Redskins, you’re looking at names like Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, and Mark Rypien.
The shadow of those Super Bowl winners hangs heavy. For decades, the fans have been waiting for someone to match that level of play. Kirk Cousins had a good run, and RGIII was a shooting star that burned out way too fast. But Jayden Daniels? He feels different. He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. People are actually excited in D.C. again.
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The 2025 Season Numbers
Before he got hurt in that game against the Vikings in December, his stats were actually pretty solid for a sophomore year.
- Passing Yards: 1,262 in limited action.
- Touchdowns: 8 passing, 2 rushing.
- Interceptions: Only 3. He’s incredibly careful with the ball.
- Completion Rate: Sitting around 61%.
It wasn't quite the 3,500+ yard season he had as a rookie, but the growth was there. He was processing the field faster. He wasn't just relying on his legs.
What’s Next for Jayden Daniels?
The big news right now is his recovery. There was a lot of silence from the team for a few weeks, which usually makes fans nervous. However, we just got word that he’s set to captain a flag football event in Saudi Arabia this March. If he’s cleared for that, his elbow is clearly on the mend.
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The Commanders are in a weird spot. They have the talent—guys like Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are making plays—but they need their QB healthy. Without #5 on the field, they’re just another middle-of-the-pack team.
If you’re looking to follow the team this coming season, keep your eyes on the injury reports during the preseason. The 2026 season is basically "make or break" for the current coaching staff. They’ve bet the house on Daniels.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Update your alerts: If you’re still following "Redskins" news, you’re going to miss half the updates. Switch your trackers to "Washington Commanders" and "Jayden Daniels."
- Watch the Preseason: With Daniels coming off an injury, his chemistry with the offensive line is going to be the #1 thing to watch in August.
- Check the Depth Chart: Keep an eye on whether they bring in another high-end veteran. If they do, it might mean they’re worried about Daniels' long-term durability.
At the end of the day, the quarterback for Washington is Jayden Daniels. Whether you call them the Redskins, the WFT, or the Commanders, he’s the guy you’re going to be watching on Sundays.