It has not been the prettiest, but reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has helped bring some excitement to the Washington Commanders‘ offense. How much is Daniels’ net worth off the field this early in his career, and what is his current salary?
Jayden Daniels’ 2024 Contract and Salary
The rookie contract that Daniels signed is worth $37.75 million for four years and includes a $24.3 million signing bonus. It is also fully guaranteed, with the average annual value of the four-year deal being $9.4 million.
In 2019, he became the first true freshman to start at quarterback in Arizona State history, leading the Sun Devils to a Sun Bowl victory, for which he earned MVP honors. After a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniels led Arizona State to an 8-5 record. However, with the university under investigation and a sanction imminent, he transferred to LSU ahead of the 2022 season.
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While Daniels aspired to be drafted, a 10-touchdown and 10-interception season was not the greatest impression on NFL scouts. He started 26 games for the Tigers, completing 70.2% of his passes for 6,725 yards, 57 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, crushing all his marks set with the Sun Devils.
He also showed off the damage he could do with his legs, almost doubling his Arizona State rushing production with LSU, amassing 2,019 yards and 21 touchdowns on 321 carries. Daniels became the only FBS player to throw for 12,000 yards and run for 3,000 yards. This dual-threat ability helped earn him the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Daniels’ College Earnings and Partnerships
As we all know, NIL has taken college sports by storm. Daniels is, of course, an NIL-era athlete, meaning he is no stranger to it, and he certainly took the compensation that he could.
While at LSU, he was surrounded by some of the most prominent female college stars, Angel Reese and Livvy Dunne. Based on On3’s NIL valuation, Daniels boasted an impressive $2.2 million annual value, one of the nation’s highest last season.
Aside from roster valuations, Daniels was a savvy entrepreneur in college, partnering with multiple brands and companies to bolster his public status and, of course, his pockets.
He partnered with brands such as Raising Cane’s, Beats by Dre, Urban Outfitters, HEYDUDE, and Powerade and secured a deal with Fry’s Food Stores. Last but not least, he signed an agreement with Jones Auto Center, securing a 2020 Ford Mustang GT in the process, which allowed him to ride around campus in style.
What Is Daniels’ Overall Net Worth?
Before he was granted a fully guaranteed deal, Daniels’ net worth was reported to be around $2 million, and that figure will surely rise as his NFL career continues.
Regarding quality NFL quarterbacks, Daniels is on a team-friendly rookie contract. If he works out and becomes the face of the franchise in D.C., this draft pick and salary will be well worth it.
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While it’s still too early to tell, Daniels is starting to establish chemistry with his receivers after getting regular-season NFL snaps. While Washington will need to invest in other offensive weapons outside of WR Terry McLaurin for him to target, the one-two punch of Daniels and RB Brian Robinson Jr. out of the backfield has been electrifying.
If the rookie can avoid big hits and stay healthy, he can pull off a big play any time. Washington might as well use its cap space and draft capital to make this roster as talented as possible, giving the franchise a possibility of a playoff window while Daniels is on his rookie deal.