August 27th, 2026
It seems obvious that undrafted rookie free agent QB Jalon Daniels will make the Buccaneers 53-man roster.
But there’s still another preseason game to play and NFL front offices are known to sour quickly on undrafted players if they struggle.
Daniels started 45 games at the University of Kansas through six seasons there. He’s seen a lot, including his own injuries and highs and lows. Through Bucs training camp and preseason, he’s been a breath of fresh air with his arm and playmaking ability. He’s no typical camp-meat quarterback.
Joe caught up to Daniels this week in Jacksonville for a short interview.
JoeBucsFan.com: Have you felt how excited Bucs fans are about you? Are you feeling that through friends, social media or in the community?
Jalon Daniels: Absolutely. I tend not to try to look too far into social media. I leave that to family, and for them to tell me everything they’re hearing and seeing. My job is to come out here and move the sticks and learn to operate this Bucs offense. That’s my goal on a day-to-day basis.
JoeBucsFan.com: Have you had much fan interaction outside the stadium?
Daniels: I don’t really go outside the crib too much, especially during the season. My main focus is to be able to get better as a quarterback every single day. But when I do get out, to the mall or to get something to eat, I do feel some of that love.
JoeBucsFan.com: How do you see NFL receivers are different than in college?
Daniels: There’s levels to it. Going from college to the NFL is not an easy task, especially for a wide receiver. They go out there and they have a lot of plays to be able to remember; they have to be able to know everything to the smallest detail, such as a one-yard difference in alignment. So when we’re talking about things like that, I think that those guys who have gotten to our Bucs camp, draft pick or undrafted, I think they’ve all handled themselves very well.
JoeBucsFan.com: Going into this last game, do you feel any pressure knowing that not only is the whole NFL watching your film, but this could be your last chance to make the Bucs’ roster?
Daniels: I wouldn’t say it’s any pressure at all. At the end of the day, God has put me in this position for a reason. He gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. To be able to go from UDFA (undrafted free agent) to this position, I want to thank God for all of that. I’m going into this game with God on my side and I’m ready to go out there be able to go to war.