The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have found an intriguing developmental quarterback without spending a draft pick.
As training camp approaches, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is beginning to generate buzz as a player who could surprise his way onto the 53-man roster.
Is Daniels a Dark Horse?
Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds recently identified Daniels as one of Tampa Bay’s biggest dark horse candidates entering training camp.
“Another dark horse to keep an eye on is undrafted free agent quarterback Jalon Daniels,” Reynolds wrote. “I don’t think veteran backup Jake Browning feels threatened for the QB2 job right now, but Tampa Bay absolutely loves the potential of the former Kansas QB, who has a live arm and 4.65 speed as a scrambler.” Reynolds continued, “If Daniels impresses in camp and makes a lot of plays in the preseason, he could force his way onto the roster as a developmental QB rather than just being on the practice squad in that role. But first he’ll have to take on Connor Bazelak and prove he’s worthy of sticking around Tampa Bay.”
While Browning remains firmly in control of the backup job, Daniels has an opportunity to earn a developmental role if he performs well throughout training camp and the preseason.
The Buccaneers Were Interested Before the Draft
Daniels’ arrival in Tampa Bay was no accident.
The Buccaneers hosted the former Kansas quarterback for a Top 30 visit before the NFL Draft, signaling their interest well before he ultimately signed as an undrafted free agent.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Daniels also met with the Patriots and participated in private workouts with the Saints, Bills, Chargers, and Chiefs before the draft.
At just 23 years old with 45 collegiate starts, Daniels brings experience that many undrafted quarterbacks lack.
Talent Has Never Been the Question
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Daniels possesses NFL-caliber arm talent and dangerous athletic ability.
However, consistency remains his biggest hurdle.
Brugler praised Daniels’ arm strength, mobility, and ability to process defenses. He also pointed to inconsistent accuracy, decision-making, and ball security as areas that must improve if Daniels hopes to succeed at the next level.
Those traits make him an ideal developmental prospect with upside if Tampa Bay’s coaching staff can refine his game.
A College Career Defined by Perseverance
Daniels’ path to the NFL was anything but ordinary.
The Lawndale, California, native spent six seasons at Kansas, overcoming injuries while helping elevate a program that had struggled for years.
After enduring a winless freshman season during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, Daniels helped lead the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start in 2022 and their first Associated Press Top 25 ranking since 2009.
His breakout season was cut short by injury, but he still earned All-Big 12 honors before delivering one of the greatest performances in Kansas bowl history. Daniels threw for a Liberty Bowl-record 544 yards in a thrilling 55-53 loss to Arkansas.
A back injury derailed much of his 2023 season after he entered the year as the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. He returned to start every game in both 2024 and 2025, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his football career.
Now, Daniels will look to carry that perseverance into training camp as he competes with Connor Bazelak for an opportunity to earn a spot on the Buccaneers’ roster.
Jalon Daniels, A Closer Look
Scott Reynolds is spot on here. Daniels could very well surpass Connor Bazelak and start nipping at Browning’s heels.
The Buccaneers took a chance on former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels after the 2026 NFL Draft, signing him as an undrafted free agent. While Daniels faces an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster, his athleticism and natural playmaking ability give him a legitimate opportunity to develop into an NFL quarterback.
The traits are easy to see. The challenge will be turning those flashes into consistent production.
Athleticism Is Daniels’ Calling Card
Daniels is one of the better athletes at the quarterback position. His speed allows him to escape pressure, extend plays, and routinely pick up first downs with his legs. Unlike some mobile quarterbacks, he doesn’t hesitate to run between the tackles, displaying a competitive edge that shows up throughout his game.
That athleticism also translates to his passing ability. Daniels has a quick release that helps him get the ball out on short concepts, and he is comfortable throwing from off-platform or awkward body positions when a play breaks down.
When his mechanics are sound, he has more than enough arm strength to attack defenses vertically. He also displays good touch on screens and check-downs, allowing his receivers to create yards after the catch.
Consistency Remains the Biggest Obstacle
For all of his physical talent, Daniels’ development as a passer remains a work in progress.
His intermediate accuracy is inconsistent, particularly on timing routes where precise ball placement is critical. He also has a tendency to abandon clean pockets too quickly instead of climbing forward, often creating pressure that wasn’t initially there.
Processing defenses is another area that needs improvement. Daniels can be slow identifying coverage rotations and has struggled at times reading deep safeties after the snap.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect is that those issues persisted despite six college seasons. Under pressure, his decision-making can become erratic, leading to unnecessary mistakes.
Ball Security and Durability Raise Concerns
Protecting the football will be another emphasis as Daniels begins his NFL career.
Ball security remained an issue throughout college, with fumbles continuing to surface during his final season at Kansas.
Durability also cannot be ignored. Daniels has dealt with shoulder, back, and knee injuries during his collegiate career, and his undersized frame combined with his physical running style raises understandable questions about whether he can withstand a full NFL season.
A High-Upside Developmental Prospect
Daniels isn’t expected to compete for immediate playing time, but that’s what makes him an intriguing addition for Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers are betting on traits. His athleticism, arm talent, and ability to create outside the pocket provide a foundation that cannot be coached.
If Tampa Bay’s coaching staff can improve his pocket presence, accuracy, and decision-making while helping him better protect the football, Daniels has the tools to develop into much more than an undrafted free agent.
There is still plenty of work ahead, but the raw ability is there. Now it becomes a matter of whether the Buccaneers can unlock it.
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