Undrafted Rookie Jalon Daniels Wins Bucs' Backup QB Job

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found their answer at backup quarterback in an unlikely place. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, out of Kansas, has won the No. 2 job behind Baker Mayfield, beating out veteran Jake Browning as the team finalized its 53-man roster this week.

How It Happened

Daniels entered training camp as a long shot, initially competing just to make the roster as a third-string arm. He impressed coaches enough throughout camp and the preseason to leapfrog Browning, a five-year NFL veteran who started three games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season. The Buccaneers released both Browning and fellow quarterback Connor Bazelak as part of their final roster cuts.

Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht said the coaching staff began seriously discussing Daniels as QB2 after a strong performance against the Jets during the preseason. Daniels wrapped up the preseason completing 8 of 15 passes for 57 yards in the team's finale against Jacksonville.

Why It Matters

With no NFL experience at all, Daniels now holds a role that in recent years belonged to veterans like Kyle Trask and Teddy Bridgewater — a notable show of confidence from the coaching staff in an undrafted rookie. Barring any further roster moves, Daniels will be QB1 Mayfield's only backup on the active roster to start the season.

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