Jayden Daniels, Tress Way agree to unique agreement for No. 5 jersey with Commanders

Jayden Daniels will forever be No. 5 at LSU, winning a Heisman Trophy with the Tigers due to his performance during the 2023 season. He was eventually drafted by the Washington Commanders with the No. 2 overall pick, becoming the face of the franchise.

Only issue for Daniels — the No. 5 was already worn by somebody on the roster. Punter Tress Way has been with the organization since 2014 and has worn the number since he was a rookie.

Usually, there is some kind of cash exchange in order to get a star player a certain number. Way went in a different direction, though. He gave up the number to Washington’s new starting quarterback and will cash in on some tickets when his career is over.

“Commanders P Tress Way did not want a cash transaction from Jayden Daniels for the No. 5. Instead, as part of the exchange, when Way is done with his NFL career, Daniels plans to send Way and his family to an Oklahoma-LSU football game, presumably with good seats, per source,” Schefter said via X.

Oklahoma does play LSU this year, falling on the final weekend of the regular season. Maybe there is a small chance Way will have a Sunday off and have the opportunity to experience Death Valley. The Commanders would have to play on Thanksgiving, something they did last season against the Dallas Cowboys.

Even if the Way family cannot make the game this season, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Oklahoma’s move to the SEC means LSU will be on the schedule every other season. A trip to Baton Rouge is likely to occur every fourth year.

With Oklahoma being in the Big 12 during Way’s entire college career, there was no opportunity for him to experience an SEC environment.

Way has been an incredible asset for Washington throughout the years after being an undrafted free agent pickup. Twice has he led the league in yards per punt, averaging 49.6 YPP during his career. He has even been voted to the Pro Bowl on two occasions, most recently in 2022.

Now, punters are people too. But Daniels is likely hoping Way never has to walk onto the field after a failed series. The two are now friendly due to their connection with the No. 5 but on Sundays, not having their paths cross will be more than ideal for the Commanders.