Press Enter to send · Shift+Enter for a new line
Jalon Daniels
QB · TB

Jalon Daniels

Position QB
Team TB
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Jalon Daniels

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: TB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • Status: UDFA (undrafted free agent), made 2026 roster as QB2

2026 Outlook

Jalon Daniels entered training camp as the Buccaneers' QB4 but impressed in the preseason, earning the QB2 role behind Baker Mayfield. In three preseason games, he went 27-of-44 for 239 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, with each appearance generating offensive momentum. Tampa Bay released other backup QB competition (Browning, Bazelak) during the 53-man cutdown, signaling confidence in Daniels despite being undrafted. Even after struggling in the final preseason game, the club stood by him, indicating the organization believes he can develop into a reliable backup (per Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels earns Bucs QB2 gig behind Baker Mayfield - NFL.com).

Week 5 start vs. Cowboys (Oct 8-9 update): Daniels starts his second consecutive game for the Buccaneers after Baker Mayfield was ruled out for Week 5 Thursday Night Football against Dallas. Mayfield remains unable to practice and is dealing with continued discomfort from his dislocated right thumb, despite aggressive rehab (stitches removed Oct 5). In a tightly contested first half, Daniels completed all eight of his passes for 49 yards and a touchdown on the Buccaneers' opening drive—a 15-play, 73-yard march that was the NFL's longest drive in 19 years (per Cowboys vs. Buccaneers live updates: Dallas, Tampa Bay locked in tight battle - CBS Sports). His composure and accuracy with all completions on the opening drive suggest the undrafted rookie is settling into his relief role despite limited regular-season experience. He remains a desperation-only fantasy streaming option in very deep leagues.

Week 4 start vs. Packers (Oct 1-3 update): Daniels gets thrust into his first NFL start in Week 4 when Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb sidelines the Buccaneers' starting QB, making Daniels the first rookie QB to start in 2026 despite being undrafted. Coach Todd Monken gave Daniels encouraging advice to stay composed and be himself. Daniels emphasized his mentality of being "the thermostat, not the thermometer," meaning he needs to set the team's emotional tone rather than react to circumstance. With Tampa Bay at 0-3, Daniels faces pressure to stabilize the offense against a talented Packers team. On Oct 3, reports confirmed Mayfield's thumb requires three-week recovery minimum, meaning Daniels could start multiple games (Week 4 at minimum; possibly Weeks 5-6 as well pending Mayfield's rehab). Mayfield is pushing to return Week 5, but short week vs Cowboys on Thursday makes full recovery uncertain. He has minimal fantasy upside but is worth streaming in deep leagues as a desperation play for the next 2-3 weeks (per Jalon Daniels aims to be 'the thermostat' in his first NFL start and Buccaneers Give Critical Injury Timeline Update on QB Baker Mayfield).

TNF Week 5: Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels led Tampa Bay to a 24-16 road upset of Dallas, going perfect on an eight-pass opening drive. (per Cowboys vs. Buccaneers score: Bucky Irving, rookie Jalon Daniels lead Tampa Bay to upset win over Dallas)

Role / Depth Chart

  • Starting QB (Weeks 4-5 and beyond) due to Baker Mayfield's dislocated thumb injury
  • Undrafted rookie forced into action after impressing in preseason training camp

Recent News

Open Questions

Sources

Coaches shaping Jalon's role

Todd BowlesHead CoachZac RobinsonOffensive CoordinatorGeorge EdwardsPass Game CoordinatorKevin CarberryRun Game Coordinator/Offensive Line CoachT.J. YatesPass Game CoordinatorAndrew MitchellAssistant Offensive Line CoachChandler WhitmerQuarterbacks Coach