Undrafted Daniels Beats Out Browning for Bucs QB2 Job
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- Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Kansas, was named the Buccaneers' QB2 over veteran Jake Browning after impressing throughout training camp and the preseason (per Ian Rapoport).
- Jake Browning, who signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay earlier this year, will be released on Sunday as the team trims its roster to 53 players.
- Running back Josh Williams is also being waived; he had 57 rushing yards on 18 carries with a touchdown this preseason while competing for the No. 3 RB role (per Jenna Laine).
- Daniels signed with Tampa Bay earlier this year on a deal that included just a $25,000 signing bonus, and appeared in all three preseason games, completing 61.4% of passes for 239 yards and a touchdown while adding 37 rushing yards and a score.
- Daniels started Friday's 19-0 preseason finale loss to Jacksonville and struggled, going 8-of-15 for 57 yards with a lost fumble.
- Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged Daniels' uneven finish, saying 'it wasn't very good offensively tonight' but added the staff would 'evaluate the film' to make its decision.
Why it matters: For $25,000 in signing bonus, Tampa Bay lands a developmental backup behind Baker Mayfield, while eating Browning's one-year veteran deal as dead money — a roster call that signals the coaching staff trusts Daniels' camp trajectory more than a single shaky preseason start.
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