Buccaneers name undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels as backup quarterback

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels as the team's backup quarterback to Baker Mayfield, following the release of veteran Jake Browning. Daniels, 23, secured the No. 2 position after a strong performance during training camp and the preseason, as reported by NFL Network reporter Ian Rappaport. Browning, who had signed with the Buccaneers during the offseason with $400,000 guaranteed, was released as the team finalized its roster on Sunday. This decision comes amid uncertainty regarding Tampa Bay's long-term quarterback plans. Mayfield, 31, is in the final season of a three-year, $100 million contract signed in 2024 and is set to earn $40 million in 2026. He expressed feelings of being undervalued after negotiations for a potential long-term deal during the offseason. Mayfield stated, "That’s really the disappointing part — to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it," and mentioned that his agent would not pursue extension talks unless his value is recognized. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Mayfield, stating, "He wants to play. He wants to prove to us that he is the franchise quarterback that we said that he was." Mayfield's contract will expire after this season, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027. Daniels' performance in the preseason included completing 27 of 44 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, along with 14 rushing attempts for 37 yards and another touchdown. He played a key role in second-half comebacks against the Jets and Chiefs. During his college career at Kansas, Daniels played in 49 games, completing 61.5% of his passes for 9,282 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,445 yards and 23 touchdowns, tying the Kansas career record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. His most productive season was in 2025, where he started all 12 games, achieving career highs of 2,531 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes, alongside 404 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.