Jalon Daniels has been one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' most-pleasant surprises this season, with the UDFA showing strong arm talent and athletic ability. He will get the start in the Bucs' preseason-finale Friday night.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers close out their preseason slate Friday night at 7:30 p.m., facing off against the in-state rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
While most key players on both sides are not set to play, this is the final opportunity for players to show what they can do ahead of Sunday's final roster cuts.
For undrafted free agent quarterback Jalon Daniels, the game marks his final opportunity to stamp his job as Baker Mayfield's backup.
Tampa Bay Times NFL beat writer Rick Stroud reported that Daniels will be the starter on Friday night, with Connor Bazelak and Jake Browning splitting the remainder of the time.
"Daniels is making legit run at No. 2," Stroud wrote.
After showing flashes in Tampa's first preseason victory over the New York Jets, Daniels was pivotal in the Bucs' comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
After entering the game facing a 9-0 deficit, Daniels finished 9-for-14 for 71 yards and the TD, while rushing seven times for an additional 19 yards, leading Tampa to a one-point win.
His lone score was an impressive throw, fitting in a tight-window pass to Ko Kieft for a 2-yard touchdown.
Against Jacksonville, the former Kansas standout will once again have the opportunity to display his arm strength and dual-threat capabilities.
Entering the offseason, Browning was seen as the clear-cut QB2, but an injury and Daniels' developments have thrown a wrench into this once foregone conclusion.
Back in mid-May, General Manager Jason Licht joined the Pewter Report podcast, where he hinted that this battle may have been a bit closer than expected.
"Really excited to have [Jake Browning]. I would say it’s too early [to name a QB2]. We signed him to be our backup and we also signed Daniels to, you know, give competition and we really like [Connor Bazelak],” Licht said. “I think it’s going to be a good competition. We’ll see how it goes but I think it’s going to be a good competition. It’s always good to do that.
Since that time, Daniels has looked dynamic throughout training camp and his preseason appearances, giving an established backup like Browning a real run for his money.
Daniels' physical traits pop off the screen when watching, as he moves extremely well out of the pocket, and has a rocket for an arm.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson even went as far to say that Daniels has one of the best arms he has been around, which is strong praise for a guy who has coached gunslingers like Michael Penix Jr. and Matthew Stafford.
Expect Daniels to play most of the first half Friday night, with Licht and Robinson wanting to get a good look at their potential QB2.
