Jalon Daniels
Jalon Daniels(Edit Laptop 2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Former University of Kansas star Jalon Daniels will (likely temporarily) become the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week.
Daniels will step in for Baker Mayfield, who suffered a dislocated thumb in Sunday’s game. Mayfield is expected to miss at least three weeks, according to Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles.
Daniels went unselected in the 2026 NFL draft and signed a free-agent deal with Tampa Bay. His impressive training camp allowed Daniels to earn the backup role behind Mayfield.
Daniels played 49 games over six seasons, passing for at least 2,000 yards in three of those seasons.
He earned Heisman Trophy buzz in 2023, a year after a junior season in which Daniels passed for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 425 yards and seven touchdowns.
Daniels will become the first KU quarterback to start an NFL game at QB since Frank Seurer started two games for the Chiefs in 1987.
The Buccaneers host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon Central.
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