NFL analyst tells the truth about Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

One NFL analyst is warning NFL media and fans not to overlook Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Kyle Brandt of the NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" warned many in the media and NFL Nation that they might have fallen into the error of simply rushing off to the next thing to talk about, while completely forgetting what the Commanders quarterback has already proven he can do.

Because Drake Maye and Caleb Williams both had better second years than first years, the vast majority of those talking NFL talk about those guys and apparently have forgotten about Daniels. Brandt strongly suggested that would be a big mistake in judgment on their part.

“This was not a nice rookie year, this was not a promising year, none of that nonsense,” Brandt said on the broadcast. “This was a prolific, historic, rookie season in which we were handing him the keys to the castle and saying you are the prince who was promised. And then poof! We haven’t said his name on the air, I feel like in a year.”

Of course, Brandt is on to something. That is how sports media works. This year is the only year that matters. The latest accomplishment is always the best thing seen since the invention of sliced bread. It's a chronological bigotry that says, what we are seeing now is always the best because I am alive and seeing it. Today's pitchers are so much better. Today's basketball players are worlds above those of 40 years ago. Have those analysts never sat down to watch Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, or Magic Johnson highlights? They don't actually think those three would be MVP candidates in today's game?

On a one-year scale, Brandt is on to something regarding Daniels. It's only been one year, and Daniels was so beat up last season, anyone in their right mind should slow down and realize, like Brandt, that of course, Daniels could have a spectacular season if healthy in 2026.

“It’s frustrating to me that the Jayden Daniels talk is about this, when what he did was historic, special, promising, and then he ran into injuries,” Brandt said. “But we moved on, and there’s Drake Maye, and it’s Caleb and all the other guys. Those guys are great, look, I celebrate them, but I don’t have a short enough memory to forget about Jayden Daniels.”

Daniels has a lot to prove in 2026. So does David Blough, the new Commanders' offensive coordinator. Brandt is correct. Daniels, if healthy, will have a good year. How good remains to be seen. However, acting as if Daniels is a thing of the NFL past is foolish, and Brandt is warning others of their error, while also proclaiming he himself is not that simplistic or forgetful.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: People are making a mistake with Jayden Daniels