Steve Spurrier believes Jayden Daniels could win 2024 NFL MVP

There are several players vying for the 2024 AP NFL MVP Award, including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. One name on the periphery is Jayden Daniels, the standout rookie signal-caller for the Washington Commanders.

Steve Spurrier believes Daniels could be in play to win the award, he said on “Another Dooley Noted Podcast” following Washington’s 36-33 victory over the Eagles this past Sunday.

“Jayden Daniels — he might be the MVP of the league if they wait till everything’s over,” Spurrier said. “He is some player.”

Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, has far exceeded the high expectations put upon him entering the league. Daniels does not have much competition when it comes to the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, throwing for 3,303 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions 69.7% passing. He is second only to Jackson for rushing yards by a quarterback with 737 yards, to go along with another six scores on the ground.

Jayden Daniels putting up big numbers in rookie campaign

Spurrier was blown away by his performance against the Eagles, who came into Week 16 riding a 10-game winning streak. Daniels completed 24-of-39 passes for 258 touchdowns and five touchdowns, helping Washington come back from a 13-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. He added 81 rushing yards.

Daniels is only the third quarterback to have five or more touchdown passes and 75 or more rushing yards in the same game, joining Jackson (twice in 2019) and Cam Newton, who did it once in 2015, per Eric Edholm of NFL.com.

At this point, it’s just another Sunday for Daniels, who continues to earn praise from head coach Dan Quinn.

“Today he became a heavy hitter,” Quinn said after the game. “He really did.”