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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels leaving the Decemner 7, 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Washington Commanders need to have a sit-down with quarterback Jayden Daniels, according to an NFL insider. According to Pro Football Talk host Mike Florio, Daniels’ participation in a flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia could directly affects his preparation. In addition, it could prove to be his undoing with the franchise. On 106.7 The Fan, Florio articulated his reasoning.
“He’s got a critical season coming up. It’s his third year. After this season, he’s eligible for a second contract. The last thing he needs is any sort of tweak, injury, or anything that would impact his preparation. When you have Tom Brady doing this WWE-style hype argument with Logan Paul about what a serious game it’s going to be.”
“You have guys who have bigger fish to fry, as it relates to their commitments to their careers. All it takes is one bad moment. We talked a little bit off-the-air with Jayden; I mentioned Robert Edwards to him. It’s not taking on any additional risk.”
On March 21, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Along with Daniels, some of the other participants include Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Sauce Gardner, and Myles Garrett. The purpose is to bring flag football to the world stage as it officially becomes an Olympic sport during the 2028 Olympic Games.
Florio mentioned Robert Edwards. Edwards, a rookie running back for the New England Patriots, ran for 1,115 yards. After his first season, he participated in a flag football game on the sand during the Pro Bowl. On a cut, Edwards destroyed his knee.
Doctors feared they’d need to amputate his leg due to the damage. While Edwards recovered and returned to the league three seasons later, he was never the same, and his NFL career ended in 2002, at the age of 28. In that case, Florio’s warning possesses historical significance.
GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in a November 2, 2025 game.
Daniels’ Injury History Raises Red Flags About His Participation
In 2025, Daniels played in just seven games, and the Commanders shut him down for the season after trying to return from a dislocated elbow. The playing surfaces in Riyadh haven’t received endorsement from either the league or the NFLPA as of this writing.
Plus, the Commanders may have more pressing issues than that. The 5-12 record did not sit well with the front office. As a result, head coach Dan Quinn could end up coaching for his job and keeping his Washington tenure active.
Meanwhile, Daniels runs the risk of injury when he needs a strong year. The team needs a reason to extend his contract and provide him with a sizable raise. However, they don’t need much of a reason not to pay Daniels, as an injury could cost him time and reps.
A terrifying injury
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On top of that, new offensive coordinator David Blough already mentioned the plans he has for both Daniels and star receiver Terry McLaurin. Any injury that derails the fill scheme installation possibly sets the team back further.
From a financial aspect, no one knows if the game’s sponsors pay Daniels and how much he would make. Chances remain high that whatever his appearance fee is, it would pale in comparison to what starting quarterbacks make.
Right now, Daniels will make $4,226,514 this season. For context, San Francisco backup quarterback Mac Jones makes $4.2 million, roughly the same as the Commanders’ signal caller. 40 quarterbacks make more. There are only 32 starting jobs in the league.
Daniels and the Commanders look to rely on each other to win games this season. Does his stop in the desert derail that, effectively costing him a big payday?
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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