Buccaneers UDFA gem could spark surprising QB battle during OTAs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have plenty of key storylines to pay attention to as OTAs kick off this week. 

How will the new offense look under Zac Robinson? Who will be the go-to wide receiver after Mike Evans’ departure? Will the special teams unit look improved under coach Danny Smith? 

But there is one development currently flying under the radar in Tampa Bay that could prove to be the Bucs’ most exciting storyline of the offseason. 

UDFA QB Jalon Daniels could steal the show at Bucs OTAs

Bucs’ brass is enamored with Jalon Daniels early in his tenure. 

QB coach Chandler Whitmer had nothing but good things to say about the rookie’s energy and attitude. 

Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson gushed about Daniels, calling him the biggest standout of any undrafted player during rookie minicamp. 

Even GM Jason Licht heaped praise on the rookie, telling the Pewter Report Podcast how excited he is about Daniels’ strong arm and athletic ability. 

While Daniels put on a show at rookie minicamp, OTAs present a new challenge, and an opportunity for him to line up with veteran players rather than just fellow rookies.

As the first steps are taken to install Robinson’s new offensive scheme, Daniels has a golden opportunity to showcase his grasp of the playbook and continue to win over the coaching staff. 

Licht has declared there will be a legitimate backup quarterback competition. So despite the team signing veteran backup Jake Browning, who’s been in the league since 2019, Daniels will be given a fair chance to beat him out and win the backup job behind Baker Mayfield. 

Daniels will have his work cut out for him coming from college, and the coaching staff, despite their praise, has been realistic about his need for improvement and development. 

But Daniels is playing with house money. Browning is only signed to a one-year deal, and with how high the organization is on Daniels, it feels like the worst-case scenario is a spot on the practice squad as he prepares to take over the backup spot a year from now. 

It’s a competition worth watching. The Bucs have been on the hunt for a reliable backup quarterback for a few years now, as Kyle Trask was released last offseason after four seasons with the team, and veteran Teddy Bridgewater frankly didn’t look like an NFL quarterback in his limited action as the backup last season. 

If Daniels comes in on a cheap contract and proves to be a steady backup in Tampa Bay for years to come, that’s about the best you can ask for in an undrafted free agent signing.

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