Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels shared a lighthearted moment during a panel at Fanatics Fest NYC this weekend, bringing laughter to the crowd with his excitement for the upcoming season. But it wasn’t just a typical joke—Daniels’ enthusiasm for his new offensive weapon stood out.
The panel was part of a three-day sports and culture event, where Daniels joined NFL legends Joe Montana and Dan Marino. The discussion, moderated by journalist Taylor Rooks, gave Daniels a chance to express his eagerness for the team’s revamped offense heading into the 2025 season.
“I’m excited to throw him a screen and hopefully the stat sheet will say a touchdown for 80 yards, and I didn’t have to do any of the work,” Daniels joked, referring to new wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel joined the Commanders this offseason in a blockbuster trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Videos of Samuel making defenders miss in open space have already made waves on social media, sparking excitement among Commanders fans.
Entering his second year in the NFL, Daniels comes off a solid rookie season with a fresh mindset and high expectations. The addition of Samuel adds a dynamic weapon to his offense.
Daniels’ comment shows early signs of chemistry between him and Samuel, even before training camp starts. If all goes as planned, Daniels might just get his wish—an 80-yard touchdown with little effort.
The Daniels-to-Samuel connection could turn the Commanders’ offense into one of the most exciting to watch this season.