Baker Mayfield Celebrates Jalon Daniels
August 31st, 2026
Baker Mayfield has chimed in on undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels making the Tampa Bay roster as its only other quarterback.
No, Mayfield didn’t tell Daniels to know his place and to get his weight up. The Bucs’ franchise QB was in celebration mode.
“I’m proud of Jalon. I think he took tremendous steps from the first time I met him in the offseason to now,” Mayfield said yesterday at his charity foundation event in Tampa, via a Jenna Laine X video. “Played his tail off, worked hard, worked on things the coaches wanted to get done out of him and for him to progress with. Yeah, excited for him.”
Daniels appears to be in a great situation. He and Mayfield are similar-sized with similar play styles, so Daniels is in excellent position to learn. Also, the Bucs have quarterback coach and rising-star QB guru Chandler Whitmer on staff, a guy the team feels lucky to have been able to sign in February.
Joe still would love to see the Bucs put a veteran QB on the practice squad.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht said publicly he liked the meeting room fit of Mayfield and Jake Browning, the veteran signed in March to back up Mayfield. But the Bucs cut Browning yesterday.
It could only be a positive if Mayfield has the right veteran around him to compare noteds, and Daniels could benefit, as well.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:14 am
Built in excuse for JL and TB if Baker goes down
Irresponsible to go into the season without a NFL experienced quarterback!
Built in excuse for JL and TB
August 31st, 2026 at 8:16 am
I want a veteran QB also
But, there’s not many quality veteran QBs available
August 31st, 2026 at 8:21 am
I believe they can win with Daniels if Baker goes down
They have enough offensive weapons on offense
The key to this offense isn’t the QB, it’s the offensive line
August 31st, 2026 at 8:38 am
Looking at Licht’s offseason decisions, it is hard to imagine that only Bowles’s fate lies with the success of this season. Sure, licht made some moves on the defensive fron, but so far OL and CB depth look weak. No proven #2 QB, and imo letting Izien, White, Dean, and Evans walk while conceding to Vea’s demands really paints a picture that this is a rutterless ship. JL better put on his lucky socks again in hope that another quality coach wants to retire in the sun. So far those lucky socks netted BA, Brady, and Bain.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:49 am
@ChiBuc Izien and Dean, I get (though Dean was hurt as often as he was healthy).
Evans and White are different than Izien and Dean. Evans apparently wasn’t about money (I still think that was about Bowles until Evans himself finally says otherwise), and Rashaad White wanted out of Tampa. I’m not sure there was much Licht could do in either case. White especially, because unlike Evans, he was vocal about why he was gone.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:53 am
I see the Browns put Gabriel on IR. He must of hurt his back throwing 3 TDs this weekend. He would’ve been a better option than Daniels. Licht thinking he’s a UDFA genius again. There has to be a better option.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:53 am
I think they made the right decision with him. He has a huge upside and playing style similar to Baker. Good call
August 31st, 2026 at 8:55 am
Football 1. I agree.
August 31st, 2026 at 8:58 am
Ìf Baker is dragged off the field which they’ll have to, then the Bucs can sign somebody they like. I thought that if they cut Daniel’s another team would’ve grabbed him. Had too much upside to him. He looks calm when playing and that’s not a normal look for rookies.
August 31st, 2026 at 9:01 am
Way more upside than Browning that’s for sure.
Noticed Liam Coen traded for a Backup and then the Dolphins traded to replace him.
Knowing part of former coach McDaniels offense is probably worth it.
Smart.
Meanwhile, back at the farm.
Trevon Diggs was also cut by Seattle.
Wonder if he is washed.
I hope they cut Sirvocea instead of Caden for f they bring in a CB.
August 31st, 2026 at 9:03 am
We have a run around QB as a backup in order to tank the season if Mayfield becomes Won’tField.