Athan Kaliakmanis Joins Commanders and Begins Learning Behind Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders added another young quarterback to their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Rutgers signal-caller Athan Kaliakmanis in the seventh round. The move adds depth to a quarterback room already headlined by rising star Jayden Daniels.

For Kaliakmanis, the transition to the NFL has already begun with early interactions that left a strong first impression. One of the first messages he received after being drafted came directly from Daniels himself.

That early exchange set the tone for what the rookie describes as an encouraging start to his professional career, particularly as he prepares to enter a quarterback group that also includes Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman.

While Daniels remains firmly established as the franchise starter, Kaliakmanis enters Washington with an opportunity to develop within a competitive environment and gradually work his way up the depth chart.

1. First Contact With Jayden Daniels

Kaliakmanis revealed that Daniels reached out to him shortly after the draft, offering congratulations and welcoming him into the organization. The gesture stood out to the rookie as his NFL journey officially began. According to Kaliakmanis, Daniels also initiated a group chat that included all quarterbacks on the roster, creating an immediate line of communication between veterans and newcomers within the room. The rookie described the moment as meaningful, noting that he has long respected the resumes of the quarterbacks he is now sharing a locker room with, some of whom he followed growing up. Daniels’ message was brief but supportive, simply congratulating him on being drafted and expressing excitement about his arrival in Washington, an early sign of mentorship within the quarterback group.

2. Development Path and College Production

Kaliakmanis arrives in Washington after a strong final season at Rutgers, where he posted 3,124 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. It marked the most productive year of his collegiate career. Over four seasons in college, his development was gradual, with flashes of growth leading up to his breakout final campaign. That progression ultimately earned him a late-round selection in the NFL Draft. Now stepping into a professional quarterback room, Kaliakmanis faces a steep learning curve as he competes for positioning behind established players like Daniels, Hartman, and veteran Marcus Mariota. His immediate goal is not to win a starting job but to absorb the system, refine his mechanics, and prove he can adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.

3. Rookie Mindset and Team Direction

When asked about what he hopes to demonstrate during rookie minicamp, Kaliakmanis emphasized consistency, growth, and resilience as his primary focus entering his first professional practices. He highlighted his commitment to daily improvement, stressing that he intends to learn from mistakes rather than be discouraged by them as he adjusts to the NFL level. Kaliakmanis also referenced a familiar Rutgers slogan, “keep chopping,” using it to describe his approach to steady development and work ethic throughout the offseason. The Commanders enter the new season looking to rebound after a 5-12 finish that placed them third in the NFC East, a step back after previously winning the division and reaching the conference championship game.