The quarterback position is as deep and talented as it ever has been in the NFL these days, with Patrick Mahomes racking up Super Bowl rings, guys like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen constantly in his way and winning MVPs in the process, while other young QBs such as Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow have been able to prevent him from winning more than the three titles he already has.
It’s an incredible crop of talent at the top, but one young up-and-comer is already knocking on the door of reaching elite status, as one New York Giants legend recently compared him to a “young Joe Montana.”
During a recent episode of Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard, Giants legend Leonard Marshall said that Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels reminds him of a young Joe Montana, which is quite the comparison.
Jayden Daniels is "a young Joe Montana" in the eyes of Giants legend Leonard Marshall @LeonardMarsh70. Quite the comp for Washington's QB on #Talkin' Ball! Full episode on @youtube. Brought to you by @MyBookie @BOOMChagaDrinks @HooksSpiceRubs @SalLaurettas… pic.twitter.com/FOlmGy6v11
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) September 5, 2025
Daniels exceeded all expectations as a rookie last season, steamrolling his way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship game for the first time in three decades.
Montana wasn’t the full-time starter for the San Francisco 49ers until his third season, and in that first year as a starter, he finished second in MVP voting and led the Niners to the first of his four Super Bowl championships.
In terms of playing style, Montana was never as mobile as Daniels, as the rookie ran for over half as many yards in his one year as Montana did in his entire 15-season career.
It’s quite the compliment to bestow upon a young quarterback, and Commanders fans can only hope their new franchise QB can bring home the kind of hardware Montana did.
NEXT: Dan Orlovsky Expects Big Change With Matt LaFleur This Season