Jayden Daniels Sends Bold Warning to Bears' Caleb Williams: "Respect is Earned, Not Given"
October 12, 2025 — In a move that has sent ripples across the NFL, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is making it clear: he’s not here to play second fiddle to anyone, including Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams. The two young quarterbacks have long been compared as two of the most promising talents of their generation, and Daniels’ recent comments about Williams have only intensified the spotlight on their rivalry.
In a recent interview, Daniels sent a clear message about his approach to the league and his competition: “Respect is earned, not given.” These words weren’t directed specifically at Williams, but the timing and tone left little doubt that the former Heisman finalist was keenly aware of the attention surrounding Williams, who was drafted by the Bears with hopes of being the next franchise quarterback.
A Rising Star with a Chip on His Shoulder
Daniels, who has quickly established himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, hasn’t been shy about his ambitions. After a stellar college career at LSU and a promising start with the Commanders, he’s made it clear that he’s focused on carving out his legacy. Despite the hype surrounding Williams, Daniels is determined to make his own mark in the league.
“I respect Caleb Williams. He’s a great player, but let me make one thing clear: when it comes to the field, respect is earned, not given,” Daniels said during a media appearance earlier this week. “He’s in the Bears' spotlight, but I’m here to make my own mark. Don’t mistake me for someone who’s going to let anyone overshadow me.”
His comments come at a time when Williams and the Bears are under intense scrutiny. The Bears, struggling to find consistent success in the post-Mitchell Trubisky era, have placed their hopes squarely on Williams’ shoulders. As the Bears’ QB1, Williams has been expected to bring stability and excellence to an organization in need of a true leader. However, Daniels’ declaration indicates that he is more than willing to compete for that mantle of top young quarterback in the league.
The Confidence of a Young Leader
Daniels’ rise has been swift and impressive. Since joining the Commanders, he has quickly become a leader on and off the field, leading his team to multiple key victories and showing his leadership qualities in the locker room. He is known for his calm under pressure, accuracy, and poise in critical moments, much like the poised demeanor Williams has displayed with the Bears.
Despite Williams receiving much of the media attention, Daniels has not let that distract him. He has quietly been putting together an impressive season, with standout performances that show his growth and readiness to lead the Commanders to a playoff berth.
What This Means for the Commanders and Bears
Both Daniels and Williams have the potential to be cornerstones for their respective teams for years to come. But Daniels’ comments suggest that he isn’t looking to share the spotlight with anyone — not even a player as highly regarded as Williams.
For the Bears, the pressure to develop Williams into a franchise quarterback is immense. But with Daniels now firmly in the spotlight in Washington, it’s clear that the competition between the two will only intensify. As the season progresses, both quarterbacks will have ample opportunities to prove that they deserve to be viewed as the future of the NFL.
Daniels' words remind everyone in the league that confidence and competition are key ingredients in a quarterback’s success. Whether or not the rivalry between the two quarterbacks becomes a major storyline in the years to come remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the NFL world will be watching.
49ers Work Out Three QBs Amid Injuries to Brock Purdy and Mac Jones
When an NFL team brings in three quarterbacks for workouts in October, it’s usually not a good thing, but that’s exactly where the San Francisco 49ers find themselves heading into Week 6.
With Brock Purdy sidelined by a nagging toe injury and Mac Jones nursing multiple ailments of his own, the Niners are understandably looking around at who else is available.
With Purdy out and a banged-up Jones leading the 4-1 Niners into a huge showdown with the also 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend, Adrian Martinez will be the 49ers backup once again. Martinez has never played in an NFL game, and it’s clear Kyle Shanahan and company still aren’t sure what they have in him.
“This week, Shanahan said Martinez took more reps with the first team, so the team had the chance to evaluate him running the offense as opposed to running scout team cards, where the cards tell you who to throw the ball to before you leave the huddle,” Niners Nation’s Kyle Posey wrote, adding:
“Shanahan said, to a degree, he has a package of plays in his head about what he’d potentially have to run for Martinez. And a better feeling about Martinez than he had in the past few weeks. Coincidentally, after seeing Martinez practice for a week, the 49ers worked out three quarterbacks.”
San Francisco 49ers Bring QBs Desmond Ridder, Nathan Peterman & Quinten Dormady in for Workouts
As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on October 10, the 49ers brought quarterbacks Desmond Ridder, Nathan Peterman and Quinten Dormady in for workouts, but didn’t sign any of the three. While that means Martinez will be QB2 once again vs. the Bucs, it doesn’t mean San Francisco won’t sign any of them in the near future.
Ridder is the most intriguing of the group. The 26-year-old has played in 25 games, starting 18. A third-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, he has completed 63.6% of his passes for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 picks.
He’s bounced around this year (Cincinnati, then Minnesota), but Ridder has mobility, and far more experience than Martinez. If San Francisco wants someone who could run a functional offense on short notice, Ridder’s the most obvious candidate of the three.
Peterman is kind of the “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” option for the 49ers. He’s functional, technically, although watching him is always a white-knuckling adventure.
Over seven seasons, Peterman has appeared in 15 games, with five starts. He has 712 yards, four touchdowns and 13 interceptions in that span. The numbers aren’t pretty, but he’s experienced enough to be somewhat useful if things spiral further.
Then, there’s Quinten Dormady. He’s never been on an active NFL roster, but he’s piled up decent numbers in spring leagues: 1,507 yards, 10 touchdowns and five picks in the XFL, followed by 1,206 yards and six scores in the UFL. He’s more of a developmental piece than anything else, but as a practice squad arm or third-stringer, he’s worth a look.
49ers Injuries to Brock Purdy & Mac Jones Could Force San Francisco’s Hand
Purdy’s turf toe has cost him three of the last four games and kept him off the practice field again this week. He’s not on injured reserve, which is likely a sign the team thinks he’ll be back soon, but he’s also not playing this week. It remains to be seen whether the tow issue continues to linger, but if it does, the Niners could be in trouble.
Jones, meanwhile, has been holding things together, but just barely. He’s dealing with a lingering knee injury he got Week 3, and now an oblique strain from the Niners’ Week 5 overtime win over the Rams. Jones will be under center again Week 6, but if he suffers any type of setback, the 49ers could give Ridder, Peterman, Dormady — or someone else entirely — another call.
