The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their final preseason game tonight, and things just got even more intriguing.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Jalon Daniels, who is competing for the backup quarterback job, will get the start against Jacksonville.
Daniels has closed out the previous two preseason games, leading game-winning drives in both contests. He’s raised his stock significantly this preseason, going from the QB4 on the initial depth chart to a legitimate candidate for the QB2 job. With a strong performance tonight, the undrafted rookie has a real chance to slam the door shut on the competition and solidify himself as Baker Mayfield’s backup.
Jalon Daniels will start at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a big opportunity for Daniels, who is making his first NFL start. He’s expected to play the first half and potentially into the second half.
It’s another step toward moving up the depth chart. The team showed its confidence in him by having him take most of the QB2 reps throughout the week in practice, and now he’ll have a chance to prove himself in that role during a game.
With the starters not playing tonight, Daniels will be followed by Jake Browning before Connor Bazelak closes out the game.
Through two preseason games, Daniels has completed 65% of his passes, throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown along with a rushing touchdown.
His physical tools have separated him from the team’s other backup quarterback options, as his blazing speed and elite arm strength give him the highest upside of the group.
Browning still holds somewhat of an edge due to his experience. He’s considered the “safe” option due to his seven years of NFL experience including 10 starts. If Mayfield goes down, the team may feel more comfortable turning to a veteran than an undrafted rookie.
But Daniels’ upside has forced the team to seriously reconsider that thought process. Even if he doesn’t win the backup job outright, he’s made himself a near-lock for the 53-man roster. The team isn’t going to risk trying to put him on the practice squad because he’d have to clear waivers first and would almost certainly be claimed by another team.
The Bucs were extremely lucky to have a quarterback as talented as Daniels fall into their laps as an undrafted free agent. He wasted no time making an impression on the organization and beginning to carve out a role for himself as part of the team’s future.
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