Jalon Daniels entered Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp as an undrafted free agent simply trying to earn a roster spot. With roster cuts approaching, he may now be pushing for something considerably bigger, as Daniels received QB2 reps during the Buccaneers' joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars, another indication that Tampa Bay is taking a serious look at the rookie behind Baker Mayfield. That development comes after head coach Todd Bowles confirmed earlier in camp that the backup quarterback competition remained open.
When training camp began, veteran Jake Browning appeared to have a firm grip on the backup job. Browning has 10 career NFL starts and was signed during the offseason specifically to provide experienced depth behind Mayfield.
Daniels, meanwhile, arrived as an undrafted rookie out of Kansas competing with Connor Bazelak further down the depth chart, but the first two preseason games have challenged that original narrative. Daniels helped lead a comeback against the Jets in the opener before doing it again against Kansas City. He completed nine of 14 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs while adding 19 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown, leading three consecutive scoring drives in the second half of Tampa Bay's 16-15 win.
His mobility and arm talent provide something different from Browning. Bowles has previously praised Daniels' arm strength and ability to make unconventional throws when plays break down, traits that have carried over from training camp into preseason action. Daniels getting work as the second quarterback against Jacksonville suggests the Bucs want to evaluate him against better competition rather than simply keeping him in a developmental role. With final roster decisions approaching, every additional rep near the top of the depth chart carries more significance, and a final solid performance could land him the immediate backup role, completing an NFL Cinderella story.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Jalon Daniels getting QB2 reps
