Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is getting the starting nod for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason Week 3 finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night, and he’s slated to play the entire first half. This isn’t just a courtesy start, folks, this is a very real, very clear shot at the QB2 job, and it could be a massive upset, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud. Talk about a curveball nobody saw coming!
From Kansas Walk-On to Camp Standout
Let’s rewind a sec. Daniels, fresh out of Kansas, wasn’t even drafted. The Bucs just scooped him up, a move most people probably shrugged at, thinking it was just another camp body. But man, this kid has been turning heads since day one of training camp. He wasn’t just some afterthought; he’s been slowly but surely building a case that he’s something special. His preseason numbers back it up too: 19-of-29 passes completed for 182 yards, one touchdown, and zero picks. And he’s not just a pocket passer; Daniels has flashed some serious athleticism, adding 28 yards and another touchdown on 10 carries. He’s been making plays, plain and simple, and it’s getting noticed big time.
Showdown for the Backup Spot
The fact that Daniels is not only starting the finale but playing the *entire* first half is a massive tell. Stroud literally wrote, “Daniels is making legit run at No. 2.” If he wasn’t a serious contender, he’d be coming in last, behind Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak, who are also on the depth chart. But no, he’s first up, getting every snap he can to prove he belongs behind Baker Mayfield. If he locks down that QB2 spot, it would be a huge upset, especially with Browning having the most experience on the roster outside of Mayfield. This isn’t just about a roster spot; it’s about a rookie defying all odds and flipping the script on what an undrafted guy can achieve.
So, Friday night against Jacksonville? That’s the proving ground. Jalon Daniels has to show out, no question. All eyes will be on him to see if he can complete this unbelievable climb and officially snatch that backup job. Get ready for some high-stakes preseason action, because this could be the start of something big for Daniels.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply