The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels as their backup quarterback, a surprising decision that places him behind starter Baker Mayfield and ahead of veteran Jake Browning. The move came as the Buccaneers finalized their roster on Sunday.
Daniels, 23, secured the No. 2 spot after a notable performance in training camp and the preseason, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rappaport. Browning, who was signed by Tampa Bay in the offseason with $400,000 guaranteed, was released.
This decision is particularly significant given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Buccaneers' long-term quarterback situation. Mayfield, 31, is entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract signed in 2024 and is set to earn $40 million in 2026. He previously expressed feeling undervalued during offseason contract extension negotiations, stating his agent would not pursue further talks unless his value was appropriately recognized. General Manager Jason Licht has expressed optimism about reaching a new deal, but Mayfield will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027 if no extension is reached.
The Buccaneers' confidence in Daniels, an undrafted player, is noteworthy. During three preseason games, he completed 27 of 44 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also added 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Daniels was instrumental in second-half comebacks against the Jets and Chiefs during the preseason, following a college career at Kansas. In 49 games, the 6-foot-1, 219-pound quarterback completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 9,282 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. He also amassed 1,445 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns, setting a Kansas career record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. His most productive season was in 2025, where he threw for a career-high 2,531 yards and 22 touchdowns, with an additional 404 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.