Buccaneers' Jalon Daniels plan for preseason finale shows rookie has legit shot at QB2 job image
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (QB06) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
One of the biggest surprises for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason has been the performance of rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels.
After going undrafted out of Kansas, the Bucs scooped Daniels up and added him to their offseason roster.
Most undrafted free agents are afterthoughts and not much was thought of the signing at the time.
However, Daniels slowly but surely started building a case that he wasn't just any undrafted free agent after turning heads in training camp.
And Daniels has carried that into the preseason, completing 19-of-29 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown to zero picks. Daniels has also flashed some athleticism after posting 28 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.
Jalon Daniels starting in preseason Week 3
Ahead of the Bucs' final preseason game on Friday night, the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud is reporting that Daniels is going to get the start and play the entire first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stroud adds that this is a clear indication there is a very real chance Daniels will secure the QB2 job.
"Bucs plan to start rookie QB Jalon Daniels and play him the first half and maybe more tonight vs. Jacksonville. He will be followed by Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak. Daniels is making legit run at No. 2," Stroud wrote.
A potential upset
The fact that Daniels is getting the start and the entire first half means he has a legit shot to win the backup job behind Baker Mayfield. If that weren't the case, he'd be coming in last behind Bazelak and Browning.
If he can secure the job, it would amount to a huge upset, especially as it pertains to him beating out Browning, who has the most experience on the roster at quarterback outside of Mayfield.
But, first things first, Daniels has to show out on Friday night.