Getty Image
Quarterback Jayden Daniels capped his LSU career with a Heisman trophy following an exciting senior season in Baton Rouge. Now, eyes are set on the NFL.
A recent conversation with star teammate Malik Nabers has many speculating his potential landing spot.
Daniels was one of college football’s most dynamic players in 2023, guiding the Tigers to a nine-win season.
The dual-threat passer threw for an SEC-leading 3,812 yards while adding another 1,134 yards on the ground, the second-best mark in the league. In all, he accounted for 50 touchdowns to lead the nation.
That on-field production resulted in a bevy of postseason accolades, which included both First-Team All-America and SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors to go along with that Heisman trophy.
Now, the focus has moved to the next level.
Daniels plans to skip LSU’s bowl game against Wisconsin in order to focus on NFL Draft preparations. The projected Day 1 pick might’ve unintentionally dropped a hint on where he plans to end up.
While chatting with teammate Malik Nabers, he hinted at the possibility of a “package deal” regarding the QB-WR tandem.
Nabers responded with an answer that’s now sparked draft speculation.
Jayden Daniels: “are we a package deal bro?”
Malik Nabers: “I’m not going to the saints”
DOES THIS MEAN JAYDEN DANIELS IS STAYING IN LOUISIANA? #Saints pic.twitter.com/ylb3EmtcDo
— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) December 18, 2023
“I’m not going to the Saints,” Nabers responded, leading many to believe that Daniels had already been in contact with the organization about a future draft plan.
Does he know something we don’t?
For what it’s worth, New Orleans has been a popular landing spot for Jayden Daniels in mock drafts. The Saints could, in theory, be open to drafting a quarterback given the inconsistencies seen under center with Jameis Winston and Derek Carr.
They signed Carr to a four-year, $150M deal over the offseason, so they might not be ready to start fresh. Still, there’s the possibility of having the veteran mentor the soon-to-be rookie before turning him loose.
As for a potential package deal regarding the passer-receiver duo, that’s unlikely given Nabers’ first-round projection. Unless a team trades up, the LSU stars probably land with different teams.