When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed UDFA quarterback Jalon Daniels after the 2026 NFL Draft, the thought was that he could compete to be the number three quarterback and make a run at the 53-man roster. However, it only took two preseason games before Daniels launched himself into the backup quarterback debate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have Backup QB Competition
GettyJake Browning #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Browning did not play in the Bucs preseason opener. However, Daniels went 10-for-15 for 111 yards with a rushing touchdown on top of that. He essentially ended any chance of second-year quarterback Connor Bazalek winning the third-string spot.
The Bucs held Bazalek out of the second preseason game, and head coach Todd Bowles said that was a part of their plan. The reason is to get Daniels more work to see how he looked after Browning.
Browning started the Bucs’ second preseason game and went 8-for-11 for 84 yards. He was not bad, but was unable to create out of structure. The Bucs offensive line issues made it tough for him to create.
When Browning left the game, the Bucs trailed 9-0. Daniels entered and immediately led the team on a touchdown drive. Overall, he led the team to 16 points and a comeback win. He finished the game 9-for-14 for 71 yards with a touchdown. He added 19 rushing yards, but perhaps the biggest difference was Browning taking three sacks and Daniels taking none.
With Daniels playing well for two weeks and Browning struggling, the door is now wide open for Daniels to step in and win the backup quarterback job. We will see if he can take it during the final preseason game.
Todd Bowles is Excited About Jalon Daniels
When asked about the competition, Browning did not shy away from it.
“It comes with the territory,” said Browning. “I’m not unfamiliar with competition. It’s not my job to worry about that stuff.”
Browning was the Bengals‘ backup last year. The Bengals went 0-3 when Browning started, and Browning had six touchdowns to eight interceptions. He was benched for Joe Flacco. Now, he is looking to settle in as a backup after losing that role with Cincinnati.
Bowles was not ready to declare the job, but did admit that Daniels was clutch and that he has strung together strong performances.
“He did a good job closing out the game,” said Bowles. “Second week in a row, he made some plays, some clutch plays. Obviously, there’s a lot of things he’s got to learn, but at the same time, he goes out there and makes things happen,” said Bowles.
As Bowles noted, there are still areas that Daniels needs to clean up in his game. However, a rookie UDFA should expect to have a few issues entering the NFL. Daniels is still far ahead of expectations for how he was acquired.
Browning might not have the strongest resume as a backup quarterback, but it is impressive to see Daniels find ways to push him so quickly. We will see what the Bucs plan is for the preseason finale. Daniels will have one more chance to prove himself.
Buccaneers Backup Put on Notice by ‘Clutch’ Rookie UDFA