Heading into this season, no second-year player has a level of buzz around them on par with Jayden Daniels. As the young quarterback prepares for his sophomore campaign, one former NFL star expects him to join an illustrious group in the near future.
In 2024, Daniels put together one of the best rookie years from a QB in recent memory. He led the Commanders to 12 wins in the regular season and got them within arm’s reach of a Super Bowl appearance. Now, he is tasked with living up to the massive expectations set for him.
Also read: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Predicted to Receive Major Accolade
Ahead of the game’s release, EA announced the prestigious “99 Club” for Madden 29. It features names like Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Ja’Marr Chase, and reigning league MVP Josh Allen.
While on ESPN’s Get Up earlier this week, Chad Ochocinco gave his thoughts on this year’s group. He believes that Daniels will be among the new faces in the 99 Club in the not-so-distant future.
“I like Jayden Daniels,” Ochocinco said. “For what he was able to do to come in as a rookie and turn that franchise around like this, and I don’t see him having a sophomore slump. Not with what they’ve done at the Commanders, putting pieces around him, make sure he’s successful.”
Despite only being a rookie, the Commanders wasted no time putting more talent around Daniels, as Ochocinco mentioned. Their biggest splash was trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. They also upgraded his protection by going out and landing Pro-Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil.
The Commanders still have work to do when it comes to weapons around Daniels, mainly ending the contract holdout of Terry McLaurin.
Also read: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Remaining Humble After Strong Rookie Season
As far as reaching the 99 Club goes, Daniels still has some climbing to do. When the game releases in August, he’ll be at an 85 overall. There are a handful of QBs ahead of him, including Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes.
Seeing that he’s already one of the NFL’s top young stars, it likely won’t be long before Daniels is knocking on the door of the 99 Club. The main thing for him in 2025 will be reaching the high bar that is set for him.
If he can avoid a sophomore slump and keep the Commanders in a position to contend, the 99 Club and other notable accolades are sure to be on the horizon for Daniels.
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