Jayden Daniels not only won an award Thursday, but he also had Jerry Jones regretting facing Daniels.
At Thursday’s NFL Honors from New Orleans, Daniels was the runaway winner of the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. It was certainly no surprise, as Daniels led the Washington Commanders to their first winning season since Kirk Cousins led Washington to consecutive winning records in 2015 and 2016.
Jones, the Cowboys owner, was asked about Daniels on Thursday. The Cowboys defeated the Commanders in Washington and were one play away from sweeping the Commanders. However, Marcus Mariota led a last-minute drive, and his touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin in the last seconds rescued the Commanders.
But Daniels was a highlight reel nearly every game this season. “I get sick when thinking about the Cowboys playing him twice a year the rest of his career,” said Jones.
“He’s a great talent,” Jones continued. “I’m glad to have him in the National Football League. And frankly, really, I like the idea of competing as well for years ahead against the Redskins (Commanders). I’m a big fan of Washington. It’s a great football town. Anything that would help make that more substantive in Washington, I’m all for it.”
Jerry Jones talkin Jayden Daniels
“I get sick thinking about playing him twice a year …” pic.twitter.com/0lxlGPD6Ch— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) February 7, 2025
Washington had finished dead last in 2023, going 4-13, earning the second overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Commanders GM Adam Peters selected Daniels, and the rookie quarterback did not disappoint. In fact, he excelled.
Daniels rushed for over 800 yards, finished tied for second with Josh Allen for Approximate Value, was sixth in completion percentage (69%), and fourth in QBR (70.5).
The Cowboys and Jones finished third in the NFC East behind the Eagles and Commanders. Daniels led the Commanders to the NFC Championship game. Dallas has not played in the NFC Championship game since the 1995 season.