Jalon Daniels is forcing the Buccaneers into a difficult QB decision

After another standout preseason performance by Jalon Daniels, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to have to make a difficult decision in the quarterback room. 

The Bucs signed Jake Browning this offseason, a seven-year NFL veteran with 10 career starts under his belt. The goal was to bring in a reliable backup quarterback to give the team an insurance policy in case Baker Mayfield goes down.

But through two preseason games, it’s apparent that Browning isn’t the second-best quarterback in Tampa Bay; that distinction would go to the undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. The front office must decide what they value more at the backup spot for this season: Browning’s experience or Daniels’ upside.

Could Jalon Daniels win the Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback job behind Baker Mayfield?

The difference between Browning and Daniels couldn’t have been clearer in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Browning wasn’t bad by any means, finishing 8-of-11 for 84 yards and 14 rushing yards while dealing with consistent pressure and taking three sacks behind a shaky backup offensive line. 

But Daniels lined up behind that same subpar protection and used his escapability to make positive plays in situations where Browning would have been dead to rights. The Bucs were held scoreless until Daniels came in and led three consecutive scoring drives. He’s just a more dynamic player. 

Physically, it’s not even close. Daniels has much higher upside as an athlete with high-end speed, and he also has a much stronger arm. Zac Robinson’s offense runs much smoother with Daniels at the helm. He can roll out and make plays on the move, as opposed to Browning, who isn’t nearly as effective outside of the pocket.  

But for all of the positives Daniels brings to the table, his inexperience was also on full display, which could give Browning the edge. 

Daniels mishandled multiple snaps, which is a product of primarily lining up in the shotgun throughout his college career. He also missed some throws, particularly on deep out routes, and his accuracy needs refinement. The Bucs knew that when they signed Daniels — he’s a developmental project with a high ceiling who isn’t quite ready just yet, which is why he went undrafted.

So while Daniels definitely offers more long-term potential, the Bucs could ultimately value Browning’s steady veteran presence a bit more, at least for this upcoming season. The Buccaneers view themselves as playoff contenders, and despite a strong preseason, it’s unlikely they’ll believe an undrafted rookie gives them the best shot to win if Mayfield goes down. 

But is that the right mentality?

Tampa Bay could keep both quarterbacks, but that would require carrying three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, something the team hasn’t done since 2022. If the Buccaneers aren’t comfortable making Daniels the backup and also don’t want to risk losing him, keeping him as the third-string quarterback is the only way to ensure he remains in Tampa Bay. 

The alternative would be attempting to stash Daniels on the practice squad, but that comes with a catch. Daniels would first have to clear waivers, and it’s highly unlikely he’d go unclaimed after his impressive preseason. That makes carrying him on the 53-man roster the most likely option, even if the Bucs aren’t ready to make him the QB2. 

But if the Buccaneers like Daniels so much that they’re willing to break from their status quo and keep three quarterbacks, why not just take the leap of faith and make him the QB2 over Browning? 

Buccaneers should make Jalon Daniels the QB2 behind Baker Mayfield 

The hard truth that nobody in the organization is allowed to admit is that, in the nightmare scenario where Mayfield goes down for an extended period, the Bucs’ season is likely over anyway. 

Regardless of whether it’s Browning or Daniels who steps in, it’s unlikely this team stays afloat. The idea that Browning is going to come in and save the season is nonsensical, which is why the Buccaneers should consider rolling the dice on the high-ceiling rookie instead of the “safe” option. 

While Browning is perceived as more prepared from an operational standpoint, he went 0-3 last season in Cincinnati and threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Not all experience is good experience. 

Daniels looks like he could have a long-term future in Tampa Bay as the QB2 behind Mayfield. He seems destined to be wearing red and pewter long after the team moves on from Browning, so it would be wise to go all-in on the rookie’s development. 

The best way to do that is to give Daniels meaningful reps if Mayfield goes down. If the season is effectively lost anyway, the Bucs should make the best of a bad situation by throwing Daniels into the fire and accelerating the development of their promising young quarterback. 

The only way it makes sense to prioritize Browning over Daniels is if the Buccaneers genuinely believe he gives them a chance to remain competitive in the event Mayfield goes down.

But if they believe the season would be a lost cause if Mayfield missed extended time, which is the most likely outcome, pushing all the chips in on Daniels — who has been incredible this preseason — is the way to go.

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