Key Points
- Jayden Daniels is set to return for a third season and has said his injury-hit 2025 campaign is behind him.
- Marcus Mariota has been re-signed as the backup quarterback for a third straight season, giving Washington continuity behind Daniels.
- The biggest remaining question is who fills the QB3 role after the Commanders used three different quarterbacks during the 2025 season.
- Washington’s official 2025 training camp preview listed Daniels, Mariota, Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson on the quarterback roster.
- The team has said it may again keep three quarterbacks on the roster, with Hartman having spent time on the practice squad in the previous season.
- Washington’s quarterback room is being viewed as a stabilising factor for Daniels’ development and the team’s wider offensive plans.
Ashburn (Evening Washington News) July 6, 2026 — The quarterback room remains one of the clearest positions on the roster, but the final depth arrangement still carries a key question as training camp begins. As reported by Zach Selby of Commanders.com, the Commanders enter camp with Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson in the mix, while the main uncertainty is which player will round out the group as QB3.
Who leads the quarterback room?
As reported by Zach Selby of Commanders.com, Daniels is the clear centrepiece of the position group after a rookie season that the team described as historic and stabilising for the franchise.
The same preview said Daniels’ second year will be judged not just on results, but on how he handles tougher defensive opposition and the increased attention that comes with success.
The article also noted that Daniels looked sharp during OTAs and minicamp, and that his work ethic has remained strong.
As reported by Selby, the Commanders believe Daniels’ mechanics and poise give him a strong base heading into the season, even though opposing defences will be better prepared for him.
The club also pointed out that Washington will face several high-level pass-rushing units and five teams that had top-10 defences in 2024.
That makes Daniels’ protection and decision-making central to how the offence may function in 2025.
Why is Marcus Mariota important?
As reported by Selby of Commanders.com, Mariota’s return matters because it gives Washington a familiar and experienced backup for a third consecutive season.
The preview said the Commanders previously relied on a three-quarterback setup and may follow the same approach again in 2025. Mariota’s presence also adds continuity in a room that the team values for its role in helping Daniels develop.
The article described the quarterback room as collaborative, with coaches and players contributing to preparation and game planning before each contest.
That approach, according to the team’s preview, was an important part of Daniels’ progress during his rookie year.
Mariota therefore functions as more than just a reserve; he is part of the structure Washington wants around its starter.
Who could be QB3?
As reported by Selby, the remaining question is who secures the QB3 role between Hartman and Johnson, after Washington carried three quarterbacks on the roster during the previous season and placed Hartman on the practice squad.
The preview identified Johnson as the only new face among the listed quarterbacks, while also noting that he brings experience across multiple teams and offensive systems.
That experience may give Washington a dependable emergency option if the team decides to keep a third passer.
The article did not present a final answer, but it made clear that the team is still weighing how many quarterbacks to keep.
It also suggested that Hartman’s development and practice-squad status from the previous year remain relevant to the decision.
In short, the battle is not about the top of the depth chart, but about how much security Washington wants behind Daniels and Mariota.
What did the team say about Daniels?
As reported by Selby, Washington’s own preview framed Daniels as a quarterback who already exceeded expectations and gave the franchise a much-needed level of stability.
The article said he broke records, helped take the team deep into the season and set a new standard for the position.
It also noted that some observers expect regression in his second full season, but the team’s view is that strong fundamentals and preparation should limit any drop-off.
The preview added that the Commanders are aware opponents will adjust to Daniels’ skill set, particularly after a year in which he drew attention for his mobility and composure.
Even so, the team’s position is that improvement is still possible if his approach remains consistent.
That makes training camp a key stage for reinforcing timing, protection and execution rather than rebuilding the role from scratch.
How does this affect the offence?
As reported by Selby, Washington strengthened its offensive line in the offseason because it wants to reduce the punishment Daniels took last season.
The preview specifically tied additions to the need to protect the quarterback against strong pass-rushing opponents.
That means the quarterback discussion is directly linked to the wider offensive plan, not just to roster numbers.
The team also said the quarterback room’s communication and preparation helped Daniels settle in during his first year.
If that support structure remains intact, Washington will likely continue to prioritise familiarity and trust behind the starter.
The result is a camp storyline that is less about an open competition for QB1 and more about maintaining a stable environment around it.
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Background of this development
As reported by Selby of Commanders.com, the Commanders entered the 2025 season with a roster built around Daniels after a rookie campaign that changed the outlook of the franchise.
The article noted that Washington previously kept three quarterbacks and used Hartman on the practice squad, while Johnson joined as an experienced addition.
The broader context is that the team has been trying to preserve continuity after a year in which the quarterback position became much more settled.
The same preview also reflected the organisation’s belief that Daniels’ development depends on more than individual talent.
Coaching support, backup experience and room stability were all presented as part of the plan. That is why the QB3 debate matters even if it does not change the identity of the starter.
Prediction for fans
For Commanders fans, the most likely effect is a camp and preseason focus on depth, protection and continuity rather than a dramatic quarterback battle.
If Washington keeps Daniels healthy and maintains a reliable backup structure, the offence may be better placed to stay consistent across the season.
The QB3 decision could also matter if injuries force another change later in the year, which is why the team appears to value experience and flexibility.
