Commanders 2026 training camp preview: Quarterback

The Washington Commanders officially begin training camp on Wednesday, July 29. However, rookies report this Friday, July 24. Veterans are scheduled to be in Ashburn on Tuesday, July 28.

After a phenomenal, record-breaking rookie season in 2024, quarterback Jayden Daniels took a step back last year. It mostly wasn't his fault, as injuries plagued Daniels. Injuries were a problem for the entire team, as Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin played only one full game together last season.

Daniels is healthy now. He's also ready to put any questions about 2025 behind him. The good news for Washington is that veteran Marcus Mariota is back for a third season as Daniels' backup in 2026.

Let's look at Washington's quarterback situation ahead of training camp.

On the roster

• Jayden Daniels
• Marcus Mariota
• Sam Hartman
• Athan Kaliakmanis

Roster locks

• Jayden Daniels
• Marcus Mariota

Daniels and Mariota will be the Commanders' No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks for the third straight season, respectively. It's a good situation for Washington. Daniels didn't miss any games during his rookie season. He left a couple; Mariota relieved him and was outstanding. Last season, Mariota started 10 games. He mostly played well, but had his ups and downs. You could make the case that Mariota is the NFL's best backup quarterback.

Training camp battle to watch

• Sam Hartman vs. Athan Kaliakmanis

Hartman is entering his third NFL season, while Kaliakmanis is a rookie seventh-round pick. Naturally, you'd think Washington wants to see its draft pick beat out the 2024 undrafted free agent. The Commanders love Hartman. So does Daniels, as they are close. But when he had an opportunity last preseason, he struggled badly. Some were even surprised that the Commanders kept him on the practice squad.

Kaliakmanis feels like a David Blough pick. The new offensive coordinator wanted a young quarterback to develop behind Daniels. Kaliakmanis doesn't possess elite physical traits, but he has plenty of starting experience, improved each season, is excellent at going through his progressions and is a multi-year captain. There's a lot to like here, especially for someone you'd like to develop as a long-term backup.

Burning question

• How will Daniels fare in Blough's new offense?

The Commanders moved on from former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, although Daniels wanted him to remain. The young passer was thrilled when Washington promoted Blough, his assistant quarterback coach over the last two seasons. Blough will feature a more diverse offense, including placing Daniels under center more often and adding more play-action opportunities into the playbook. There will still be elements of Kingsbury's offense, too.

This move was all about protecting Daniels and helping him take his game to another level. The early returns seem good, but the Commanders haven't played a game yet. Daniels should be tailor-made for this type of offensive scheme.

Outlook

If Daniels is healthy in 2026, it's hard not to imagine him reminding everyone why they shouldn't have forgotten him last season. The problem is he must stay healthy. Daniels suffered three separate injuries in 2026. He first must prove he can stay on the field every week. As for the third quarterback, it looks like it's Kaliakmanis' to lose.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders 2026 training camp preview: Quarterback