As important as it is to have a franchise quarterback in the NFL, it may be equally important to have a trustworthy backup. That importance doubles when QB1 is a mobile player who often puts himself in harm's way.
This dynamic is especially relevant to the Washington Commanders, who have a burgeoning superstar in Jayden Daniels, though his playing style often makes his team — and their fans — hold their collective breath.
Daniels ran into a potential injury setback two weeks into his second NFL season, sustaining a knee injury after a quick turnaround brought Washington to "Thursday Night Football" in Week 2. Despite a 10-day layoff between Weeks 2 and 3, the quarterback situation behind Daniels is taking the spotlight due to uncertainty surrounding his availability moving forward.
Here is an updated look at the Commanders' QB depth chart, which includes Daniels, another Heisman Trophy winner, and one of the most traveled QBs in league history.
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Commanders QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Jayden Daniels |
| 2 | Marcus Mariota |
| 3 | Josh Johnson |
| PS | Sam Hartman |
1. Jayden Daniels
Daniels, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, is the guy in Washington.
In his first NFL season, Daniels appeared in all 17 games, completing 69.0% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 passing touchdowns against just nine interceptions. He added 891 yards on the ground for six more touchdowns and helped lead the team to the NFC Championship Game with two playoff wins.
Born on Dec. 18, 2000, Daniels’ career is just getting started, and his rookie contract runs through the 2027 season.
2. Marcus Mariota
Much like Daniels, Mariota is a former No. 2 overall pick who won the Heisman Trophy.
After three seasons as a full-time starter, Mariota made just 19 starts between 2019 and 2024. After a year with the Philadelphia Eagles, he joined the Commanders in 2024 to serve as a backup and mentor for Daniels.
In his first season with Washington, Mariota appeared in three games, completing 34 of 44 pass attempts for four touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown. While the 2025 NFL season is Mariota's 11th in the league, he won't turn 32 until the end of October.
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3. Josh Johnson
Johnson, 39, is the consummate pro and the definition of an NFL journeyman.
The Oakland, Calif. native was a fifth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and has spent time with 14 different NFL franchises. After spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Ravens, Johnson is back in Washington for his second stint with the franchise.
Johnson made three starts for Washington during the 2018 season.
Practice squad: Sam Hartman
Hartman spent his college career with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Notre Dame Fighting Irish before going undrafted in 2024. He signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has spent time on the team's practice squad and active roster.
In 2025, Hartman did not make Washington's 53-man roster after training camp but was brought back to the practice squad once again.