Full Breakdown
Jalon Daniels Earns Backup Quarterback Role for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8/31/2026, 8:03:07 AM
Core Event: Daniels Named Backup QB and Jake Browning Released
On cut day, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will serve as the backup to starter Baker Mayfield for the 2026 season. The move came with the release of veteran free-agent signee Jake Browning, leaving the team with two quarterbacks on its 53-man roster. Daniels earned the promotion after impressing throughout training camp and the preseason, while Browning, who had signed a one-year deal in the offseason, was cut as the Buccaneers finalized their roster.
Background & Context
Mayfield enters the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract, with a $40 million salary slated for 2026 and unrestricted free-agency eligibility in 2027. The quarterback competition unfolded during a crowded training-camp slate that also featured Connor Bazelak, who was waived after Daniels outperformed him in preseason action.
Data & Statistics
- Preseason performance: Daniels appeared in all three preseason games, completing 61.4 % of his passes for 239 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He also rushed 14 times for 37 yards and added a rushing touchdown.
- College career (Kansas): 61.5 % completion rate, 9,282 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns, 31 interceptions, 1,445 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.
- Contract details: Daniels signed as an undrafted free agent with a $25,000 signing bonus. Reported figures for Browning’s contract include $400,000 guaranteed and a total value of $1,332,500 for the one-year deal.
Official Statements & Responses
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles praised Daniels’ development, noting the rookie “has shown a lot.” General manager Jason Licht expressed optimism about the quarterback situation, saying he remains “very optimistic” that the team and Mayfield can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mayfield described feeling “disappointed” and “undervalued” after the negotiations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the financial terms of Jake Browning’s deal. Bleacher Report and the NY Post cite a $400,000 guaranteed amount, while SI reports a total contract value of $1,332,500 with $400,000 guaranteed. No official Buccaneers release confirming the exact figure has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sources: The Bucs are moving forward with UDFA QB Jalon Daniels as their backup QB to Baker Mayfield, as he’s impressed throughout camp,” — NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
- “That’s really the disappointing part — to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it,” — Baker Mayfield
- “Daniels has an NFL-quality arm but inconsistent ball placement and decision-making.” — The Athletic’s Dane Brugler
What’s Next
The Buccaneers will conduct two bonus practices this week before opening the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. The team hopes Daniels can provide reliable depth should Mayfield become unavailable.
