Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Announce Winner of 2026 Backup QB Battle
· Yahoo Sports
Throughout the offseason and training camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held a backup quarterback competition between Jake Browning and undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels. Browning spent 2025 with the Cincinnati Bengals, starting three games before being demoted to a backup role after the Bengals acquired Joe Flacco, and later serving as the emergency third quarterback when Joe Burrow returned. Daniels spent 2025 with the Kansas Jayhawks, and the Buccaneers signed him to a three-year, $3.125 million contract as an undrafted free agent in April with a whopping $272,500 guaranteed.
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The competition was very close and came down to the final preseason game. Jalon Daniels completed 27 of 44 pass attempts for 239 yards and one touchdown, including going 8-for-15 for 57 yards on Friday. Jake Browning completed 10 of 15 pass attempts for 86 yards, including going 2-for-4 for four yards on Friday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announce winner of 2026 backup QB battle
Kansas football player Jalon Daniels reacts during Pro Day at the University of Kansas on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.According to Ian Rapoport, Tampa Bay has named Jalon Daniels their backup quarterback. In addition, the Buccaneers have released Jake Browning and waived Connor Bazelak. This leaves Baker Mayfield and Daniels as the only two quarterbacks under contract. Meanwhile, the rookie is the only quarterback under contract through 2027, with Mayfield still without an extension.
Sources: The #Bucs are moving forward with UDFA QB Jalon Daniels as their backup QB to Baker Mayfield, as he’s impressed throughout camp. A true find and a very cool story. pic.twitter.com/bi1KYzmC9G
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2026
Fans react to the news
Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; fans looks on during the national anthem before a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesHe reminds me of @realshaunking
— D. Alan (@LifeLsnSports) August 30, 2026
@Buccaneers you guys found a diamond in the rough! @JalonDaniels6 congratulations! RCJHK!!
— Eddie (@EdwardhamHam) August 30, 2026
They will need a QB that can run with that O-Line depth!
— Jeremy (@Jeremy3FL) August 30, 2026
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
— Sheri J (@Slcmtbc) August 30, 2026
Let him learn from Baker! He looks good
— Stephanie Bruce (@stephaniejbruce) August 30, 2026
Second best undrafted story of the week
— Jostten (@JosttenSackitey) August 30, 2026
The right choice!
— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) August 30, 2026
More Buccaneers news
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: UDFA In Serious Contention for Backup Role in 2026
- Buccaneers’ Vita Vea extension sets up a big 2027 decision on Baker Mayfield
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