Just a year ago, Jayden Daniels was the toast of the NFL. The Washington Commanders quarterback had just captured the 2024 Rookie of the Year Award, throwing for 3,500 yards and accounting for 31 total touchdowns while leading his team all the way to the NFC Championship Game. He was the undisputed king of the young quarterback mountain.

Fast forward to today, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. A brutal, injury-riddled 2025 campaign—where Daniels suited up for just seven games due to knee, hamstring, and elbow issues—has caused the Commanders to stumble to a mere five wins. More concerning for fans, it seems the league is starting to forget just how electric he can be.

NFL.com's Nick Shook recently released his ranking of the top 15 quarterbacks still on their rookie deals, and Daniels landed at No. 3, sitting behind both Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. It's a stunning turn of events, especially considering Daniels, Williams, and Maye were the top three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. After their rookie seasons, no one would have dared put Daniels behind either of his draft classmates.

Of course, context matters. Williams bounced back with a stellar 2025 campaign, leading his team to the playoffs, while Maye enjoyed an even more impressive run, taking his squad all the way to the Super Bowl. Daniels, meanwhile, was sidelined and watching.

Shook acknowledged the "wash" of a season for Daniels, stating: "The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year couldn't stay on the field long enough to find a rhythm. I still hold a firm belief that Daniels is one of the most dynamic, thrilling quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy."

So, is the league underrating Jayden Daniels? Perhaps. But for fans who remember his rookie magic, the real question isn't about his talent—it's about whether he can stay on the field long enough to remind everyone why he was once the top dog. One thing is certain: when healthy, there's no young quarterback with a higher ceiling.