Jalon Daniels has quickly become one of the more intriguing young quarterbacks to watch during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2026 preseason. After going undrafted out of Kansas, Daniels signed with the Buccaneers as a rookie free agent and entered training camp competing for a place on Tampa Bay’s quarterback depth chart.
His opportunity became even more interesting after the Buccaneers’ preseason opener against the New York Jets on August 14, 2026. Daniels delivered an efficient performance in Tampa Bay’s 24-16 victory, giving the coaching staff another reason to consider him seriously in the competition for the backup quarterback spots.
Who Is Jalon Daniels?
Jalon Daniels is a quarterback who spent his college career with the Kansas Jayhawks. He played six seasons at Kansas and developed into one of the program’s most experienced quarterbacks.
The Buccaneers list Daniels at 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds. He was also a four-time team captain at Kansas, highlighting the leadership role he played during his college career.
Daniels finished his Kansas career second in school history in passing yards and touchdown passes. He recorded 9,282 passing yards and 67 touchdown passes while adding 1,447 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.
Jalon Daniels and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Daniels as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. Although his name was not called during the draft, Tampa Bay had already established a relationship with him before draft weekend.
The Buccaneers brought Daniels in for a pre-draft visit, giving the organization an opportunity to evaluate him before signing him after the draft.
Daniels entered Tampa Bay’s quarterback competition alongside players including Baker Mayfield, Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak. His path to the regular-season roster was expected to be challenging, but his mobility and college experience made him an intriguing developmental option.
Was Jalon Daniels Drafted?
No. Jalon Daniels was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after the seven-round draft concluded. Tampa Bay subsequently added him to its rookie class while continuing to build its 90-man offseason roster.
NFL.com gave Daniels a draft prospect grade of 5.66. The evaluation highlighted his athletic ability while also pointing to areas that needed improvement, particularly consistency as a pocket passer, mechanics, timing and coverage recognition.
That combination helps explain why Daniels went undrafted despite producing significant numbers at Kansas.
Jalon Daniels College Stats
Daniels produced several strong seasons during his Kansas career.
In 2022, he completed 152 of 230 passes for 2,014 yards, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for 425 yards and seven touchdowns.
His 2025 season was particularly important from an NFL evaluation perspective. Daniels started 12 games and completed 198 of 319 passes, a 62.1% completion rate, for 2,531 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 404 yards and four touchdowns.
Jalon Daniels Career Stats
- Games: 49
- Starts: 45
- Completions: 734
- Attempts: 1,193
- Completion percentage: 61.5%
- Passing yards: 9,282
- Passing touchdowns: 67
- Interceptions: 31
- Rushing yards: 1,445
- Rushing touchdowns: 23
These numbers show why Tampa Bay viewed Daniels as an intriguing developmental quarterback despite his undrafted status.
Jalon Daniels Stats vs. Jets
Daniels made his NFL preseason debut for the Buccaneers against the New York Jets and immediately made an impact.
He completed 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt. He did not throw a touchdown or interception, but he added a rushing touchdown.
His rushing line was three carries for nine yards and one touchdown. The scoring run came from one yard out in the fourth quarter and helped Tampa Bay secure its 24-16 victory.
Jalon Daniels vs. Jets Stats
- Passing: 10-of-15
- Passing yards: 111
- Passing touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 0
- Rushing: 3 carries
- Rushing yards: 9
- Rushing touchdowns: 1
- Passer rating: 88.5
Daniels also directed two second-half touchdown drives, making his performance one of the notable stories from Tampa Bay’s preseason opener.
Why Jalon Daniels Is Interesting for the Bucs
Daniels’ biggest selling point is his combination of passing experience and rushing ability.
During his Kansas career, he showed that he could create plays with his legs while also operating an offense as a passer. That dual-threat ability can be valuable in preseason competition, where young quarterbacks are trying to demonstrate that they can consistently move an offense.
His performance against the Jets provided an early example. Daniels was accurate through the air, avoided turnovers and added a rushing touchdown while leading two scoring drives.
The challenge will be proving that he can consistently make NFL-level reads and throws from the pocket.
Jalon Daniels’ QB3 Competition
One of the biggest questions surrounding Daniels entering the preseason was whether he could challenge for the Buccaneers’ No. 3 quarterback role.
Connor Bazelak is another young quarterback competing for opportunities, making every preseason snap important. Daniels’ strong showing against the Jets gives him an encouraging start in the competition, although one preseason game will not determine the final roster.
The Buccaneers still have additional preseason opportunities, giving Daniels more chances to demonstrate his command of the offense, accuracy and decision-making.
Jalon Daniels’ NFL Outlook
Daniels entered the NFL as an undrafted quarterback, but his story is far from settled.
His college production, leadership background and athleticism provide a foundation for development. At the same time, NFL evaluators have identified areas he must improve, particularly pocket accuracy, mechanics and coverage recognition.
The preseason is therefore a major opportunity. If Daniels continues making efficient throws, protecting the football and using his mobility effectively, he can strengthen his case for a roster spot or another opportunity within the Buccaneers organization.
His debut against the Jets was a positive first step.
Final Takeaway
Jalon Daniels is one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ more intriguing undrafted rookies in 2026. The former Kansas quarterback was not selected in the NFL Draft, but Tampa Bay signed him afterward and gave him an opportunity to compete.
His Kansas career ended with 9,282 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns. Now, his focus has shifted to proving that his skill set can translate to the NFL.
Against the Jets, Daniels completed 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards and scored a rushing touchdown as the Bucs won 24-16.
For now, Jalon Daniels remains a developmental quarterback with plenty to prove, but his first NFL preseason appearance showed why the Buccaneers were interested in giving him a chance.
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