Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has officially secured his preferred jersey number, No. 5, with the Washington Commanders—but not through the typical financial transaction. Instead of paying veteran punter Tress Way for the number, Daniels has agreed to send Way and his family to an Oklahoma vs. LSU football game once Way's NFL career is over.

A Unique Jersey Swap Agreement

Daniels has worn No. 5 since high school and throughout his college career at Arizona State and LSU. However, Way has held the number in Washington since 2014, making it a meaningful part of his decade-long tenure with the team. Initially reluctant to give it up, Way ultimately reconsidered after discussing the situation with his wife, Brianna, who reminded him of his leadership role as a team captain.

Rather than accept money for the number, Way proposed the college football trip as a sentimental exchange, ensuring that both players’ alma maters—Oklahoma for Way and LSU for Daniels—were involved. Daniels took the field for the first time in No. 5 at the Commanders' rookie minicamp on May 10.

The History of Jersey Swaps in the NFL

While jersey number trades often involve money, Daniels and Way’s agreement stands out for its personal and meaningful nature. Other famous jersey swaps in NFL history have been more transactional:

  • Deion Sanders & Alundis Brice (Dallas Cowboys): Sanders gifted Brice a BMW in exchange for No. 21, leaving a note that read, "Now give me my damn jersey."
  • Clinton Portis & Ifeanyi Ohalete (Washington, 2004): Portis agreed to pay Ohalete $40,000 for No. 26 but later refused to pay the remaining $20,000 after Ohalete was released. The dispute ended in court, with Portis ordered to pay $18,000.

Way’s Legacy & His Next Number

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Way, one of Washington’s most consistent performers during a turbulent era, has been with the team since 2014, earning two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod in 2019. He has averaged 46.9 yards per punt over his career and remains a respected veteran presence in the locker room.

As for his next jersey number, Way has only shared one detail: it will be an odd number. While his future number remains unknown, his gesture toward Daniels further cements his reputation as a selfless leader in Washington’s locker room.