Jalon Daniels impresses in Buccaneers preseason, vying for QB2 spot
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 2:29 AM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has emerged as a contender for the backup QB role during preseason games. After starting as the fourth-string quarterback, Daniels shined in his appearances against the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, leading two touchdown drives in each game. Coach Todd Bowles announced an open competition for the QB2 position, with Daniels reportedly taking the majority of second-string reps in practice. The final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be crucial for Daniels' bid to secure the role amid competition from Jake Browning.
- •Daniels went from QB4 to potential QB2 in two weeks.
- •He led successful touchdown drives against the Jets and Chiefs.
- •Browning played but struggled to produce points against the Chiefs.
- •The Buccaneers have one preseason game remaining against the Jaguars.
- •Daniels received most of the QB2 practice reps ahead of the final game.
- 2:45 AMNBCSports.com — Jalon Daniels will start tonight for Bucs with chance to secure No. 2 QB job - NBC Sports
- 2:29 AMYahoo Sports — Bucs rookie QB Jalon Daniels gets a surprise start but falters in preseason loss at Jaguars
- 7:52 PMYahoo Sports — Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback picture takes shape ahead of Jaguars clash
- 7:07 PMYahoo Sports — Jalon Daniels will start tonight for Bucs with chance to secure No. 2 QB job
- 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Buccaneers' Backup QB Battle Takes Center Stage vs. Jaguars
- 11:57 PMYahoo Sports — Is Jalon Daniels Already the Buccaneers QB2?
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback plans for their preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars have reportedly taken shape, with rookie Jalon Daniels set to get an extended opportunity. According to the latest update from Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud, Daniels is expected to start against Jacksonville and play the first half, with the possibility of featuring for longer.
"Jalon Daniels’ chances of earning Tampa Bay’s backup quarterback job seemed to diminish in the team’s preseason finale, a 19-0 loss at Jacksonville on Friday night in which neither side played starters. After leading the Buccaneers to come-from-behind victories against the New York Jets and Kansas City, Daniels got a surprise start against the Jaguars.
"Jalon Daniels will start tonight's preseason finale against Jacksonville and will play the first half and possibly into the third quarter, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Sources
External links- NBCSports.comAug 29, 2026, 2:45 AMJalon Daniels will start tonight for Bucs with chance to secure No. 2 QB job - NBC Sports
Jalon Daniels will start tonight's preseason finale against Jacksonville and will play the first half and possibly into the third quarter, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 2:29 AMBucs rookie QB Jalon Daniels gets a surprise start but falters in preseason loss at Jaguars
Jalon Daniels’ chances of earning Tampa Bay’s backup quarterback job seemed to diminish in the team’s preseason finale, a 19-0 loss at Jacksonville on Friday night in which neither side played starters. After leading the Buccaneers to come-from-behind victories against the New York Jets and Kansas City, Daniels got a surprise start against the Jaguars.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 7:52 PMTampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback picture takes shape ahead of Jaguars clash
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback plans for their preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars have reportedly taken shape, with rookie Jalon Daniels set to get an extended opportunity. According to the latest update from Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud, Daniels is expected to start against Jacksonville and play the first half, with the possibility of featuring for longer.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 7:07 PMJalon Daniels will start tonight for Bucs with chance to secure No. 2 QB job
Jalon Daniels will start tonight's preseason finale against Jacksonville and will play the first half and possibly into the third quarter, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 12:00 AMBuccaneers' Backup QB Battle Takes Center Stage vs. Jaguars
Buccaneers’ Jalon Daniels and Jake Browning battle for the backup quarterback job in Tampa Bay’s preseason finale.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 11:57 PMIs Jalon Daniels Already the Buccaneers QB2?
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels has been the star of Tampa's preseason and now looks like the favorite for the primary backup quarterback job.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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