Daniels is moving forward as Tampa Bay's backup quarterback behind Baker Mayfield after impressing throughout training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
After entering camp as an undrafted rookie in a crowded quarterback room, Daniels appears to have climbed into the No. 2 role behind Mayfield. The decision gives him clear roster security and places him next in line if Tampa Bay needs a backup to step into game action. Daniels won the job after a strong preseason during which he completed 27 of 44 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown without being picked off.
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Buccaneers' Jalon Daniels: Modest performance in preseason finale
Rotowire
Daniels completed eight of 15 passes for 57 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed four times for nine yards in the Buccaneers' 19-0 preseason loss to the Jaguars on Friday. He also lost a fumble.
The undrafted rookie had made a strong impression over his first two preseason games, completing 19 of 29 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 rushes for 28 yards and another score. That played a part in Daniels earning the start in Friday's exhibition finale, but the Kansas product wasn't anywhere near as smooth. Daniels played through the first possession of the third quarter and helmed only one drive of greater than 17 yards, including one in the second quarter where he lost a fumble on the first play. Daniels is battling Connor Bazelak for the No. 3 quarterback role, and it remains to be seen how Friday's uneven performance ultimately affects that competition.
Daniels will start and likely play the entire first half of Friday's preseason game at Jacksonville, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
With Baker Mayfield taking a seat for preseason Week 3, Daniels will be the first QB up for the Buccaneers, followed by Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak. This appears to be an open competition for the direct back role to Mayfield, and Daniels, an undrafted rookie, so far has completed 19 of 29 passes for 182 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while rushing 10 times for 28 yards and one more TD through two exhibitions.
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Buccaneers' Jalon Daniels: Heads to Tampa
Rotowire
Daniels signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent Friday.
A six-year player at Kansas, Daniels finished the 2025 season by completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 2,531 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 404 yards (3.5 YPC) and four touchdowns on the ground. He has decent mobility with a 4.65 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but he needs to tidy up his work as a passer to have a shot in the NFL. Daniels will battle against Connor Bazelak for the No. 3 QB job behind Baker Mayfield and Jake Browning.
