Bucs Are Playing With Fire
August 30th, 2026
Major gamble.
UPDATED: The Bucs today cut Jake Browning. This surprised Joe. Very much so.
Browning was solid in practice. Might have been the best backup quarterback Joe has seen from the Bucs since Blaine Gabbert.
(For the folks now howling about the previous paragraph, every backup QB sucks; otherwise, he wouldn’t be a backup. Think about it.)
What adds to Joe’s surprise is the Bucs, apparently, are going with a rookie undrafted free agent who doesn’t know the playbook yet and struggles with snaps from under center after being in a shotgun college offense.
Did Jalon Daniels Friday night look like he was capable of guiding the Bucs to the playoffs in a pinch? Yeah, his line sucked. This just in: It also sucked the two previous worthless preseason games.
Joe thinks Daniels will be fine given time. You know, so he can master the playbook and get snaps down.
Unless the Bucs have their eyes on someone else who will be unemployed tonight (Kyle Trask?), the Bucs are taking a massive risk here.
Joe previously wrote that fans need to light candles for Tristan Wirfs, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch and Luke Goedeke because if one of those guys gets hurt, watch out!
Now you can add Baker Mayfield to that list of players deserving prayers and protection from the Almighty.
Don’t be too surprised if Browning is back on the team via the practice squad.
August 30th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Browning not much better than Bridgewater.. and a QB will be signed to the PS.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Josh Johnson, Nick Mullens and Shane Buechele have all been cut. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them is picked up. JJ McCarthy ( meh ) may be available soon as well.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Trask has now been cut by the entire NFC South?
August 30th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
Yeah, if I was in charge, he’d be QB3/wildcat this season, QB2 next season if he shows he’s capable.
But maybe it’s a cost cutting move so they can pay Baker?
August 30th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
They better bring in a veteran quarterback that shows up on the waiver wire!
August 30th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
They only want to carry two qbs
August 30th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Who’s to say the Bucs will not steal another QB that is going to be cut in the next 24 hours.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:04 pm
There’s no fire. Browning is stench. Bazelak is stenchier.
They made the right move.
If Baker gets hurt, let Daniels play. It would be a lost season anyhow.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:06 pm
no risk it no biscuit. i like this choice by the bucs.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
Was in the Kroger checkout line just now, was about to grab my usual Reese’s cup. Then I saw the Kit Kat. In honor of Todd, I got a jumbo KitKat
August 30th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
Every backup QB sucks? Wasn’t Baker a backup QB on the Rams and Panthers? But Joe would rather have the statue Browning as backup even though when he started for the Bengals he went 0-3.
0-3 with 5 ints and that’s who you want as a backup. The Joe’s continues their streak of horrible QB evaluations. By the way, he went 0-3 during the regular season, not practice with Chase and Higgins as WRs and got replaced by Flacco. Pray for Baker all you want but he started every game last season and how did that work out?
Daniels has upside and earned his spot. We need to give him a chance and see what he can do with the starters. You know, give him the same chance Baker got early in his career.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:11 pm
The have to be absolutely kidding me Joe!!
Browning was horrible! Held the ball like a high-school QB while starring down receivers. He brought nothing in scrambling or extending plays.
Hot garbage.
Playing with fire???
Why, because if Baker gets hurt, was Jake Fing Browning really going to save the day?
Maybe the worse take any of the Joey’s has ever had.
Browning sucked and JL, Robinson and everyone else saw it clearly.
If Daniels has to come in for a game or a few plays, he can make things happen. He looked good with a trash oline and scrub WRs. I think with the Bucs starting oline, TEs and WRs and some more development he will be the best backup the Bucs have had.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:14 pm
Browning looked uninspiring to me, Daniels brought energy and excitement and I believe in a desperate situation he would give us the best chance to win between the two.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:14 pm
We are toast without Baker…..maybe toast with him……this was the right move…..Browning showed nothing….
August 30th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
What do you expect from a GM who wasted a 2nd on Trask, only to cut him for Bligewater? His first ever QB pick was Winston. He got lucky Brady wanted to come here, and lucky Baker has kept us at .500. Expecting better from Licht is wishful thinking. Half the QBs cut today by other teams are better than Browning, and Daniels.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:18 pm
i would have kept browning as #2 and daniels as #3…….if the roster space allowed it…years ago we always carried 3 qbs…
my philosophy if browning came in to relieve baker, or if baker is out……a super quick hook if he’s ineffective, and pop daniels in there under center quickly (if he can actually learn to take a snap lol)…
but obviously the front office and coaches know better than me
August 30th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
Shaun King took us 6 points away from the Super Bowl as a rookie. Install the shotgun.
Who cares, we suck anyway.
Corner back depth is atrocious.
O Line is way overrated with worst depth on earth.
Coach is horrible
August 30th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Hodad… that was a PAINFUL reminder!
Liam Coen should be entering his second year as head coach of the Buccaneers!
Bowels should have been sent packing at the end of last season
August 30th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
GM terrible
August 30th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
No bigger risk than keeping Bowels!
August 30th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
bee you have to realize jalen won’t get his chance with the starters, baker don’t miss games, if he does get hurt he will get a chance but baker even when seriously injured doesn’t leave the field. no your saying he deserves the same chance baker does? baker earned his starting spot. was better than tyrod at the browns during training camp and still wasn’t named starter. jalen wasn’t better than baker hell wasn’t even better than browning during training camp. had 2 decent games during the preseason and also a bad game during the preseason
August 30th, 2026 at 1:22 pm
Offensive line is fine– in that last game all five starters were out, including both backup tackles and backup guard. When you get to the number nine offensive lineman, you can’t expect very much
August 30th, 2026 at 1:23 pm
@bee
“with Chase and Higgins as WRs and got replaced by Flacco. Pray for Baker all you want but he started every game last season and how did that work out?”
Prett good til he got injured. Leading candidate for MVP until then. Don’t make the facts interfere with your BDS though (not that you ever would).
August 30th, 2026 at 1:24 pm
Not surprised as this is a Bowles choice
I liked watching Daniels however he needs time to develop
Backup No Way Not ready
But surprised NO WAY
Bowles makes poor choices EVERY YEAR
HE PUT BRIDGEWATER ON THE TEAM
August 30th, 2026 at 1:24 pm
At least the kid has potential to become a good one!
August 30th, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Baker has been here 3 years and is missed exactly one half of a game, they’re making a bet, I’m good with it
August 30th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
If he clears the waiver wire. I think they pick him back up. They were not gonna let Daniels go and hope to resign him.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
This frees up another game eligible roster spot by only carrying two QBs so the Bucs can hold onto somebody they actually really feel they want and need.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
I told you so!!!!! He will be the starter this year. Once Baker gets sidelined.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
looked like sh!t vs a 13-4 in 2025, jacksonville team….in fact, against their backups to the backups…
but don’t get me wrong…i do like him…
i just think we need an experienced backup to steady the ship if necessary, rather than a young kid hot doggin’ it and dropping jaws for a moment
August 30th, 2026 at 1:34 pm
The Bucs are only going to carry 2 QBs. They have to many other needs. Like OL, CB, and S.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:34 pm
baker has a lot betting on baker this year…with the no contract situation…
if he was under a future contract, baker could be that wild scrambling bowling ball he has been in the past…
this year, not so much…baker needs to reel it in with his scrambling for his own sake…contract wise…
so the bucs had leverage to gamble with the idea that bake is gonna try to stay healthy, as opposed to being a wild man out there…
so daniels as #2 seemed like an ok bet as well…
makes sense to me in a lot of ways…
imho
August 30th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
Let’s keep gambling. Fudge it. Glad he made the roster. He will learn he will study. Go shotgun
August 30th, 2026 at 1:37 pm
I think they’d rather keep Pyburn on the active roster than Browning. It’s not like anyone is likely to pick him up anyway.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:37 pm
Need to start asking for paper bags at Publix.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:37 pm
Chad
I know Baker won’t come off the field this season. Ive been saying that for years. My point is that Daniels can’t get better playing against the scout team, he has to play in real games. The only way he starts this season is if Baker has a season ending injury or loses 4 straight games with horrible play. And even then Bowles will still probably start Baker. I just want the kid to get a chance so we can see what he can do.
MikeBuc
Baker went 15/24 152 yds 0 tds 0ints versus the Saints before the bye. He was healthy as an ox that game and it took Nelly on defense to save the game. Those are facts. I don’t have BDS, I have winning expectations. And when players start and play, they’re expected to play well and win. Well that is if you’re a fan of the team and not one player.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:39 pm
No risk it, no biscuit!
August 30th, 2026 at 1:39 pm
is jake browning any better than bailey zappe….?
just a thought
August 30th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
pyburn has been cut ^^^
August 30th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
I look at it this way…say we kept 3 QBs. And Baker gets hurt week 3. We need a starter for week 4. Who would start if we had Browning and Daniels? Daniels, of course. That means we don’t need Browning on the roster when we need the space for other deep positions where we have players we need to keep like maybe Pyburn.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
Season is lost if Baker goes down anyway so might as well see what you have in Daniels. Though if Wirfs is not 100%, I would definitely dress 3 QBs on gameday.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:44 pm
One thing is for certain, Daniels is #2 in name only. Not that the kid doesn’t have potential, only that he’s really raw. I mean, starting a play under center is an issue! Give the kid some time to learn the game or he might end up a lesser version of Justin Fields. Expect the Bucs to pick up Browning again or someone similar after roster cuts.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:45 pm
I have not cooled down from last year under Bowels clogged up bowl
August 30th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Daniel’s has alot more upside where we have already seen Browning at his best. Plus if Baker gets hurt it’s most likely due to an OL injury so he at least has escapability.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
“Playing with fire”? Good. I’m tired of watching this franchise play with a fire extinguisher. I’ve seen enough safe backup quarterbacks to last three lifetimes. Hand the kid the matches. If this is playing with fire, somebody get me a lawn chair and a bag of marshmallows. Sometimes you don’t discover lightning in a bottle until you quit worrying about the electrical code.
Fire the CANNONS with the matches!!!
August 30th, 2026 at 1:47 pm
I thought he looked just fine to me, the other night. Given his circumstances. And, he’ll be just fine as a backup. They went with TEDDY last season. And, I don’t believe that BAKER would’ve done ANY better ‘himself’ the other night, had HE been in there. I’m tellin’ ya… This is going to be a TOUGH season for Baker. He’s got another BIG come to Jesus moment, getting ready to smack him right square in the face. He was REAL DUMB to refuse that shockingly STRONG offer. So, Thank-God on this Sunday, for Baker’s EGO.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:50 pm
if there is a backup qb floating around out there that zrob has already worked with in the past – the bucs could maybe have an eye on him, to replace browning as the 3rd, and put him on the practice squad…gotta have a 3rd on the ps…one would think
August 30th, 2026 at 1:51 pm
Bee, 🐝 The upside of JD which is also his downside is his raw talent! A talent that will be honed by the Bucs QB coach whose qualifications exceed anything Baker has ever been exposed, ever! As for Baker, not going to debate you about this or that but JD and Baker need to communicate to solidify success for the Bucs.
August 30th, 2026 at 1:51 pm
scott milanovich… ?
🙂
August 30th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
browning was garbage, stationary and couldn’t make the throws, JD is at least mobile, not saying he’s the messiah but guys we’re dropping his passes bad the other night, if those guys make easy catches different story. was not jalons fault
August 30th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Every back up quarterback sucks???? Rich Gannon was a back up for years. There was a guy no one knew who backed up a guy by the name of Drew Bledsoe. Tell him he sucked. There have been lots of good QBs that have not started the season. Just pick a rock any rock any throw it.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
@ WillieG Says: “Yeah, if I was in charge, he’d be QB3/wildcat this season, QB2 next season if he shows he’s capable. But maybe it’s a cost cutting move so they can pay Baker?”
Just LUDICROUS. Thank-God that “YOU are not.” Because, I’ve SEEN your completely biased comments before, having absolutely nothing to do with anything LOGICAL. And, this comment here, makes ZERO sense, whatsoever. Illogical. Nonsensical. Always.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
Mayfield’s has way more talent than Daniels. Don’t be silly.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
Mayfield
August 30th, 2026 at 2:10 pm
No Risk It, No Biscuit
August 30th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Despite flaws in his game, he gives you a better chance to win, sometimes you have to gamble.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Save money on a backup qb and PAY BAKER!
August 30th, 2026 at 2:12 pm
No one says Browning is any good , but if any of you think Bowles is going with 2 QBs (some are going with 4) , then I can’t help you ,, I would rather go with Trask as back up then JD (and I don’t like Trask) , Bowles can not have the attitude if Baker goes down that the season is over , or he’s as good as canned,, JL has something up his sleeve and we will know soon
August 30th, 2026 at 2:14 pm
For once I actually think this is a smart move by the Bucs. Browning was only guaranteed like 400k if he would have been on the active roster it would have cost 1.2 million. Daniels saves you money and has more upside plus he can run out the pocket. Browning a statue that proved what he was with the bengals last year. Not good enough to backup Joe Burrow so why would he be good enough to backup Baker.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Is this on Bowles, or Licht? Does good/decent depth matter?
August 30th, 2026 at 2:21 pm
maybe the idea in tampa is to get joe burrow in here if baker isn’t resigned…
joey b should be looking or a fresh start real soon…
and an oline that will protect his azz for once
August 30th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
looking for a fresh start*
August 30th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
I can not foresee anyone spending a roster spot on Browning. He’ll almost certainly be back on the practice squad – if he wants to come back. If he doesn’t, there’s plenty of QBs who will be available, guys with experience that can come in and sit on the PS.
But I assume Browning will be back. But if not, I personally won’t cry over it, his lack of zip on the ball almost never works out at the NFL level, and his 2023 tape is basically a highlight reel for Chase and Higgings making some incredible plays to get to his soft serve passes.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:25 pm
I’m confident that the final decision on who stays or goes rests with Bowles, but with the full OK of his GM, Jason Licht.
Also confident though that Todd Bowles didn’t make the decision about which QBs to keep without a LOT of discussion with his OC, Zack Robinson and with his QB coach, Chandler Whitmer.
Both of them must see something in Daniels that prompted us to keep him on the 53-man roster. Might be just my imagination, but it seems like Jalon has a lot of the same attributes of Baker (and especially in terms of his mobility). Perhaps that was a key element to them to look for.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:29 pm
Okiejim
I concur. As I’ve said let’s give him a chance with the starters for some games to see what we have. Hes raw yes, but he needs to play real games to get better. Every QB we love needed a chance to play, make mistakes and see if they can learn from those mistakes. Obviously he won’t and shouldn’t start right now, but the future is bright.
Stpete
We don’t know if Daniels has less or more talent since he hasn’t played a real game yet.
Joe and the Baker boys are nervous. This shows that Baker could have a short leash this season. Although, like I’ve said, I believe Baker will start every game this season for better or worse. Joe why are you surprised the Bucs didn’t want to keep a loser at QB2? You should be happy they upgraded from the hospital ball thrower from last season. At least Bowles is showing he can adjust albeit slowly.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Without a contract, when he goes down, Baker will stay down and bank on his resume for his next contract with whoever. Then the Bucs will bank on the next great quarterback from Kansas University. Could be entertaining.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
@ adam from ny says: “I just think we need an experienced backup to steady the ship if necessary, rather than a young kid hot doggin’ it and dropping jaws for a moment.”
NOT when he can’t play, Adam. You can’t say that wasn’t an embarrassment display of EFFORT on Browning’s part. Just Horrible. Another thing… And, you always do this. You literally came FULL circle there, all in a matter of just 20-MINUTES LoL. I give you credit though, since YOU usually end up getting-it right… Or, at least, close to being right, most of the time Hahah. EVENTUALLY. Cause, these other idiots on here, will continue to spew the SAME CRAP everyday, for literally MONTHS on end, at all cost… No matter WHAT evidence, personal knowledge gained, or KNOWN FACTS arise. I mean, it’s really embarrassing and just SO ABSURD. I give you credit. Even though, it’s really funny watching you get there, in real-time. And, not a day later… Not weeks, or months… But, in 20-MINUTES. LoL.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Sure Bee, Baker looked real nervous on the sideline Fri night when JD was lost in the headlights ,, And we are nervous , nervous that JD will be the only option as back up. Grab that guy Buffalo cut or trade a 5th for JJ and be done with it ,, if your stuck w JD and Browning (PS) your in big trouble
August 30th, 2026 at 2:37 pm
@ adam from ny – I was actually more referring to your post immediately after this one, where you changed to DANIELS being the correct call, and “making most sense.” Haha, BUT, BURROW!? You should’ve just STOPPED. I’m not getting into all of that, but HAIL NOOOOO. This ROSTER has to be BUILT FIRST. We need CHEAP. Another, (now almost 30) broken down, often injured, and EXPENSIVE QB… Is NOT what we need. It is actually, the very LAST THING we need. I would say “YES,” only IF our roster was STACKED and on a short-term ‘all-in’ type of deal. THAT’S IT. And, IF we had the right HC (and GM).
August 30th, 2026 at 2:39 pm
Bucs make right move. Browning is a stiff. Daniels good backup. If Bakefield go down season over anyways.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:39 pm
DR
“ but it seems like Jalon has a lot of the same attributes of Baker (and especially in terms of his mobility). Perhaps that was a key element to them to look for.”
Perfectly good assessment considering our O-line.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Remember who backed up Baker last year? At a minimum we did NOT take a step back..
August 30th, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Not every backup QB sucks, Joe.
Did Steve Young suck?
I think Daniels will be our new version of Steve Young once he’s ready
August 30th, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Doesn’t matter who is QB2. If baker goes down we’re doom
August 30th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Playing with fire? Is it because there is no offensive line depth or is it because the secondary is average at best with no depth. Why again is Godwin draining the cap at 34 million this year?
August 30th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Ok so now JD is Steve Young ,,, wow fans we went from a 5-7 college UDFA QB to a HOFer in one preseason
August 30th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
Everyone take notice that COEN gave up the 2028 6th-Rounder for Ewers, and NOT their 2027!? SMART. And, they own 10-PICKS in the upcoming ‘all-time’ LOADED 2027-Draft. Holding onto them for dear life, AND they’ve already drafted 20-PLAYERS, over these previous two drafts. Coen is churning-out TALENT, and rebuilding and STACKING his roster. Again, VERY SMART. I can definitely see HIM letting Trevor go, and allowing him to hit Free-Agency. Then, DRAFT his own QB to develop on the CHEAP. Right at the perfect TIMING, when he has to PAY FOR who he wants and has to KEEP. The Superstars, that arise from these Draft-Classes. When, he has a QB on his ‘rookie-level’ deal. One more time… Extremely SMART. He’s playin’ the game the RIGHT WAY. Aggressive and BOLD. Modern. Day. You look at ALL the top franchises… THEY know WTF they’re DOIN. And, I’m pretty confident that HE has enough confidence in HIMSELF, that he believes that HE can make Ewers a damn strong QB. He was like, THE most ‘elite’ HS QB ever, coming out!? So, who knows… I wouldn’t bet against HIM. That’s FOR SHORE.
August 30th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
melvin –
ok a few snippets to tighten up my thoughts…
– burrow would be a dream here…kind of like a brady…protect the guy with a beastly OL and he is one of the best in the league…even without decent OLines in cincy, he is one of the best…
– i’m cool with daniels…it’s def a little risky & shaky tho…no safety net…at least for now…
– get browning or another mid type vet on the PS if the ship needs steadying during the season…bailey zappe is now out there…even he is ok if browning is a no go…but someone has to be brought in……a vet…
you can be sold on daniels, but i am not…at least not yet…the real bullets haven’t started to fly…
and with that said, i am not sold on bain, trotter, daniels, or any of these young bucs yet – who haven’t played a single down – but are already anointed the next big thing…granted i hope they all pan out
August 30th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Daniels doods are loving this. They also cut Connor B. This does not mean Jaylon is the anointed number 2. It could be they are clearing space to jump on a cut such as Dylan Gabriel.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:00 pm
There are plenty of “Brownings” littering the league. Dime. A. DOZEN.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
Playing with fire if we dont sign SMB and upgrade our backup Oline
August 30th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
Whomever is QB will be running for their lives behind this overrated O line, might as well keep a guy who can move. I do believe they can run block, but early on defenses will adjust forcing them to keep extra men in to protect or just put it all on the QBs shoulders. Don’t think Mayfield will play hurt this year. He’s been burned too many times trying to play through injuries. I said it before they’re not all in or all out so this is just gonna be a wasted year before they go full tank next year.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:02 pm
There’s a huge gulf in talent between Baker and Daniels. Once in a while, Daniels will uncork a jaw-dropping pass. Baker can do that pretty routinely. Baker is simply significantly more accurate. Especially if he’s undisturbed in the pocket but also off-platform. Daniels is also good off-platform but has a ways to go as a pocket passer. It should be all accuracy drills for a year or two and then see what we have. I do think he has upside. It’s a great choice to keep him. Don’t for a second think he’s ready to replace Baker right now, it’s not even close.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:02 pm
Gabriel retained by Cleveland ,, But Titans cut Levis , he looked good Sat, is young and had a live arm , lifetime 21TDs 16 Picks ,, I’d take a flyer on him for a back up
August 30th, 2026 at 3:07 pm
SMB released ,, let’s goooooo,, and Browns keeping all 4 QBs ,, I guess no confidence in the top 2
August 30th, 2026 at 3:08 pm
And this O-line is **definitely** not overrated. If anything, it’s underrated. At number 3 it’s underrated. And that’s no joke. Last year, Goedeke played around 450 snaps without giving up a single pressure. The team really missed Mauch who is our best run blocker. It’s going to be a great season running the football if they stay healthy. A bunch of road-grading maulers up front. And with our truly great (Mauch) and quite good (Bredeson) guards back, Barton is going to take a major leap this season. I see 3-4 pro bowlers and maybe 2 all-pro’s amongst them this year.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:09 pm
The NFL needs a minor league. What they have is,a soccer like second division spring League. In soccer they have loan deals with lower clubs,or first division in different countries. I would like to see loan contracts with the USA spring league or the CFL mostly summer League. That is what would happen to Daniels on the Glazers other Football team. They would loan him out to Germany to get experience.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:10 pm
Marky mark Says:
August 30th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Daniels doods are loving this. They also cut Connor B. This does not mean Jaylon is the anointed number 2. It could be they are clearing space to jump on a cut such as Dylan Gabriel.
———
Gabriel?
LOL! Talk about a talentless hack. I literally laughed out when they drafted him. Just watch his college tape for 5 mins and you can tell that guy would never make it in the NFL – and of course a dumb team like Cleveland would massively overpay for that stuff. If you can’t throw with NFL velocity, you can not play in the NFL. How GM’s and fans don’t know this is beyond me.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:10 pm
yes sean murphy bunting being released…
bring the corner back…….yes…
this could be a perfect fit
August 30th, 2026 at 3:11 pm
will levis……..i’m in on that, over browning
August 30th, 2026 at 3:12 pm
dudes are gonna be popping off rosters everywhere…for real…
just blowing in the wind…
we gotta welcome a few onto the ship!
August 30th, 2026 at 3:14 pm
The Bucs are obviously clearing a spot so they can get Jameis Winston.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:15 pm
“ if he was under a future contract, baker could be that wild scrambling bowling ball he has been in the past…
this year, not so much…baker needs to reel it in with his scrambling for his own sake…contract wise. – adam from ny
That’s the thing… Baker cannot do that. He only has just ONE WAY, and it has to be HIS WAY. The same way. Because, it is the only way, that HE can be successful in this league, and WIN. He is not the type of QB who can beat you, by just standing tall in the pocket. So, he has no other CHOICE. If he tries to play like a prototypical NFL QB, then he is going to GO DOWN, and fail miserably. He’s going to have to pull a rabbit outta the hat’ and have a CAREER YEAR, if he’s going to get that big fat deal, that he’s looking for. Even then, there are NOT going to be very many potential landing spots for HIM to begin with, no matter WHAT, at that kinda money. There just won’t.
The Bucs are in the driver’s seat. It just is what it is. Depending on how many decide to come-out, there WILL BE at least 8 QB’s drafted in the first 2-ROUNDS. There won’t be too many teams who will be looking to spend THAT MUCH money… Hell, there won’t be very many teams period, who will EVEN HAVE that type of money available. Definitely NOT LONGTERM, on a beaten up 32-YEAR OLD, and with the sheer AMOUNT of TALENT set to enter the league in these next 2-years.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:15 pm
i’m all for a jameis return rod 🙂
August 30th, 2026 at 3:16 pm
adam from ny Says:
August 30th, 2026 at 3:10 pm
yes sean murphy bunting being released…
———
Absolutely would bring him in, hope it happens. He’s not the same guy he was years ago, but he knows the defense, and should at least be a decent backup.
August 30th, 2026 at 3:20 pm
Browning looks like an injury waiting to happen, Daniels may be better than we know with #1 string O-line but Browning has NO upside
August 30th, 2026 at 3:26 pm
rod –
smb would be that nice veteran corner addition to add to the room…
hoping big dog licht knows what’s up
August 30th, 2026 at 3:29 pm
@ DR Says: “a LOT of discussion with his OC, Zack Robinson and with his QB coach, Chandler Whitmer.
Both of them must see something in Daniels that prompted us to keep him on the 53-man roster.”
Most definitely. As soon as I heard them say during the game-night coverage, that Z-Rob had Daniels ranked as HIS 3rd or 4th BEST QB in the 2026 Draft-Class, I felt pretty confident and knew then, that they’d be keeping HIM… One way, or another. That, they were NOT going to risk it. Honestly, I can’t see HOW anyone would voluntarily decide to steal friggin’ Browning, after that miserable display (going back to last season, too).
August 30th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
melvin –
baker might get the one year big “franchise” paycheck next year and then get peaced out……it is possible…
a 2 year window for bake as a buc…this year and next…
who knows
August 30th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
Let me see if I have this right. People here really think that Daniels is an NFL ready QB should our QB1 (it doesn’t matter who that is) goes down. Is there any reason for concern?
*All 32 teams passed on even spending a 7th round pick on him. In the event you don’t know, the % of 7th round picks that make an NFL roster as a rookie is well under 50% and the odds of a seventh-round pick developing into a long-term, quality starter drops significantly to about 1% to 2%. So the odds are even worse for a UDFA.
*He had three injuries in college including knee surgery. Not great for a running QB.
*His W/L record was not exactly stellar at Kansas:
– 2020 = 0-9
– 2021 = 1-2 although his one win was an upset of Texas
– 2022 = 5-4 missed part of the season to injury
– 2023 = 3-0 until missing most of the season to injury
– 2024 = 4-8
– 2025 = 8-4
For those who can’t add that’s a 21-27 record.
*2025 was his highest total yards with 2531 (211 YPG). He had one monster game of 445 yards in a loss to Cincinnati. Not only did he not have another game above 300 yards, if you remove this outlier, across the other 11 games he averaged just UNDER 190 YPG!
I get it. Some of you hate Baker and the kid has flash, for a play or two. But seriously?
August 30th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
SMBtoast back on the Bucs? Maybe if he can stay on the field, second to Dean with time not playing due to injury for us plus there’s a reason his nickname was Burnt Toast up here
It’s funny how Bee posted something not glowing with praise for Mayfield and Bakie boyo Hanging Chad gets all offended along 1 or 2 others. Mayfield is a detriment to the team because he refuses to play smart gets injured then refuses to come out of the game. It’s funny these Karens get offended so easily and so quickly at any reference to the bad side of Mayfield’s play.
August 30th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
I don’t care about Kyle Trask at all, but as someone amused by outrageous comments on this blog, please Bucs, sign Trask again.
August 30th, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Daniels has more talent than Browning and gives us a better chance should Mayfield not play. He not good enough by far too replace the man but better than Brownie streak to back Mayfield up
August 30th, 2026 at 4:09 pm
Well, when Daniels played against NFL backups and 3rd stringers- he looked confused and clueless. Had no idea. Horrible.
So we know he’ll blend in
August 30th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
pepe williams released…he was def a bubble guy…smb very well could be in play
August 30th, 2026 at 4:11 pm
Here is a little secret! Jakob Daniels is TRASH he will never be a starter in the nfl, so delusional Bucs fans please stop, last year breddy tidgewater who was completely washed instead of trask. Mistake after mistake, I see 5 wins this year and a waste, should have fired toilet Bowles last year, my prediction next year whole new regime, maybe ronde as gm and Tomlin as head coach.
August 30th, 2026 at 4:12 pm
Here is a little secret! Jakob Daniels is TRASH he will never be a starter in the nfl, so delusional Bucs fans please stop, last year breddy tidgewater who was completely washed instead of trask. Mistake after mistake, I see 5 wins this year and a waste, should have fired toilet Bowles last year, my prediction next year whole new regime, maybe ronde as gm and Tomlin as head coach.!!!
August 30th, 2026 at 4:12 pm
@ adam from ny says: “you can be sold on daniels, but i am not…at least not yet…the real bullets haven’t started to fly…”
Whoa, now Hahahah. I’ve never said that I was “sold” on Daniels, as being anything other than, our backup QB for this season. I’ve been consistent on HIM since Day-1. Because, I actually WATCHED HIM at Kansas. I’ve seen more of him than 99% of the people on here. I actually watched quite a few of his games through the years. That’s why I was shocked when someone said that he was only 21-years old the other night… Since, it had seemed to ME that he’d been at Kansas for 10-YEARS LoL. I was like, there is NO WAY. Then, they said he started when he was just 17-years old, & I was like… WHaaaaT!? Well, that wasn’t the truth… He will be 24 in 2-months. Anyway, he is more than capable enough to be able to hold to fort down, and gives us a MUCH BETTER chance than friggin’ BROWNING. I mean, please… Come on.
August 30th, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Trask is garbage let it go
August 30th, 2026 at 4:21 pm
I think its foolish to keep a below average player for a backup in favor of someone with a higher ceiling. What’s the risk?
August 30th, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Did anyone watch browning play last year with those weapons? He was atrocious.
If mayfield goes down for any significant period of time the year will be a losing season even with browning. Let the kid get reps with the twos and let him learn.
Too bad brownings wife won’t be around
August 30th, 2026 at 4:24 pm
This team needs an experienced back-up qb who can manage and run an offense that is designed for Baker Mayfield only..The offense has plenty of playmakers..The Bucs need a veteran qb that can run the Zac Robinson playbook if needed..The schedule shows the team will face some tough defenses…
After the final cuts, and the released qb’s clear waivers, start lining them up for tryouts at One-Buc Place..
August 30th, 2026 at 4:29 pm
They have to just completely clean house with ALL new everything. OUT entirely, with the same old stale voices, and everything else, that continues to hover over this franchise.
August 30th, 2026 at 4:33 pm
Remember, that DANIELS was Z-Rob’s handpicked guy, who was HIS 3rd or 4th-RANKED QB, in the 2026-CLASS. That alone, speaks for ITSELF.
August 30th, 2026 at 4:34 pm
melvin stop i don’t care lol
you know you’re kind of a wacky dude 🙂
August 30th, 2026 at 5:00 pm
But browning “knows the system”, it’s automatic he’s #2, how could they cut him?
August 30th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
Baker bros are sweating bullets. Lol…yall sound nervous talking about its hopeless if Baker doesn’t play due to injury. Meanwhile hes started every game since hes been here and that lead the team nowhere, especially last season. Like most Buc fans have been saying, if Baker is as good as you say he is then it doesn’t matter who the backup is. Hes gonna ball out…right? Lol
Bringing in an old vet defeats the purpose of having Daniels as QB2. Daniels needs to get better playing in real games. Buckle up buttercups! The new era is on the horizon.
August 30th, 2026 at 5:07 pm
Bring back the gunslinging interception throwing QB from fsu. Atleast he throws the same amount of td’s. We have a better defense now, might even out.
August 30th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
Joe it makes total sense to cut Browning and sign Trask. Question then would be who will be the number two Bucs QB ?
Trask was better than TB and may be better than Daniels !!
Go Bucs !!
August 30th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
@ adam from ny – that last comment about remember Daniels being Z-Rob’s handpicked guy (#3 or #4 2026 QB), was directed at “RogBucIII’s” comment… Since, he was saying that JD cannot run the Z-Rob Offense LoL. I’m like, well, obviously Z-Rob himself, must think differently! I should have @‘ed him Lmao.
August 30th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
Playing with fire is putting it lightly. They have to be actively looking for a backup QB. They can not be this dumb! Daniels may have potential but what did he do that was so great during the pre-season to warrant this decision?
August 30th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
@ Mobucs Says: “Without a contract, when he goes down, Baker will stay down and bank on his resume for his next contract with whoever.”
Good-Luck then, with THAT resume. And, history. Cause, NOBODY came a callin’ 2-years ago, when the Bucs allowed HIM to go out and find his BEST offer… Before, they ended up giving him a GIFT of 3-years/$100-MIL, that amounted to a glorified ‘prove-it’ deal, that they could’ve very ‘easily’ walked-away from only after 1-SEASON.
So, resume!? You mean, the ONE ‘outlier’ season he had under COEN, who also turned WILL LEVIS into a ‘potential 1st-Round Pick, and just SAVED Trevor Lawrence’s CAREER… Is that ‘the one’ you are talking about!?
Or, is it 2023, when his play was SO BAD for the ‘first-half’ of the season, that over 90% of the fanbase was SCREAMING FOR KYLE TRASK!? You know, the one, that not only for a late season schedule, that was THE
‘weakest’ BY FAR, in the entire league… AND, for Winfield Junior morphing into ED REED, and single-handedly ‘winning’ at least 2-3 of those games for us, ALL BY HIMSELF. Then, Baker would STILL be looking for a JOB.
Or, were you talking about LAST SEASON’S version of Good-Ole Bakey-Bake!? Orrrrr, the season when as soon as DARNOLD’S ankle had finally healed, Carolina replaced BAKER. And, then promptly, released him… So, do you mean, THAT SEASON!? So, Please. “Baker’s RESUME” LoL. Though, I don’t need much of any “resume” to tell me anything… I only need MY OWN EYES (and brain).
August 30th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
@ Nick Jannette Says: “ronde as gm and Tomlin as head coach.!!!”
STOP. That would be SO BAD on just soooo MANY levels, all around. It would be a total WASTE. And, would only set us back even further. We have to take the leap into the MODERN DAY NFL, in order to catch back up and compete with all these aggressive and BOLD, ‘successful’ franchises. And, all of these ‘brilliant’ SMART YOUNG Head Coaches (and GM’s), who are now scattered all throughout the league. Bottomline. PERIOD. End of Story. And, Ronde has been HORRIBLE, on these games. He’s been soooo far OFF, it’s made me wonder IF he was even really, paying ANY attention, at ALL.
Seriously, it’s been THAT BAD. I mean, he either doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about, or is JUST LAZY. I’m leaning more towards, it being BOTH. It’s just being honest.
August 30th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
Uh Nooo Browning was trash. And technically it doesn’t matter which one of those guys start in place of Baker we’d lose the game so at least get the young guy reps who has more upside. Browning is no big upside over Daniels, experience doesn’t matter if you stuck
August 30th, 2026 at 5:24 pm
IMO it makes total sense to sign Trask !!
Go Bucs !!
August 30th, 2026 at 5:24 pm
Daniels can do:
Run
Throw
Make explosive plays
Daniels can’t do:
Take snaps from center
Browning can do:
Take snaps from center
Browning can’t do:
Run
Pass
Make explosive plays
It’s a no-brainer!
August 30th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
OMG what are we talking about with this losing college QB,, you say yea how could he win in college at Kansas and I’d say how does Will Levis have a 17-7 record at Kentucky in the SEC,,, the guy moved the ball w the Titans pretty well just did a few bonehead plays ,, hopefully that is behind him
August 30th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Makes total sense to sign Trask !!
Go Bucs !!
August 30th, 2026 at 6:05 pm
So, the Bills are already having to replace their turf, too!? Those supposed to be “Jumbotrons” were literally SHOCKING TO ME. I mean, HIGH SCHOOLS now, have bigger nicer ones. THESE look like they came straight out of the fricking 90’s!!!! And, to have soooo MANY seats with obstructed views nowadays. is just EMBARRASSING. It goes to show you the level of PURE level of incompetence of Governor Hochul, and the rest of the empty and corrupt fake people of her ilk. It’s PATHETIC and is a HUGE JOKE. Yet, these brainwashed MORONS, will fall straight inline, and then pull that exact same lever on the exact same types of people, over and over, & again and again. It’s pure INSANITY. Stockholm Syndrome.
August 30th, 2026 at 6:14 pm
Joe, I would take Blaine Gabbert as a backup (if he’s still playing) over any of the three options we had.
Daniels is the best option that was on the roster. But we do need to sign a better option.
August 30th, 2026 at 6:15 pm
And Browning was not the best since Blaine Gabbert. Browning never even came close to Teddy, and Teddy was really, really bad.
August 30th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Will Levis hot released too! There are back up QBs everywhere. If they were any good they wouldn’t get cut. There was a reason Browning only had interest from the Bucs. Also Bazelak is still out there.
August 30th, 2026 at 6:36 pm
Its funny how easily the Daniels Doods,get offended to the bad side of The UDFAs p!ay Plus the Daniels,Doids,blamed everyone else for his lousy play yesterday including bizarre conspiracy theories. .
August 30th, 2026 at 6:40 pm
If mayfield goes down to injury, I have no faith in Browning. I think the Bucs are doing the right thing going with the rookie with upside who shows promise.
August 30th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
Daniel is next years starter
August 30th, 2026 at 7:33 pm
JZ Reels comments on Daniels as next years starter ,,, I agree the Daniels could win the job of next years starter ,,,
For either the Rough Riders or the Tiger Cats ,,, beyond that, not a chance he is a starter in the NFL anytime soon
August 30th, 2026 at 7:34 pm
Trade Baker, fire Bowles and Licht.
Instantly playoff contenders.
August 30th, 2026 at 7:36 pm
Joe is right to be concerned. Why do people put any faith in these meaningless pre-season games? In the one season (2023) Browning was the starter with the Bengals he did very well, completing 70% of passes and doing about as well as you could expect a backup to do. So now all we have is Daniels and we’re supposed to have confidence that he can be able to take over if Baker goes down? They better have something else in the works. This can’t be how they start the season.
August 30th, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Well I see the Traskies are still hanging on to hope. On top of that it didn’t take long to the put Daniels in games with the starters.
Let me guess. Next we will be hearing he beat out Baker! It wasn’t a fair competition. He didn’t get to play with the starters in preseason!
August 30th, 2026 at 8:56 pm
DBS. I don’t think people are Trask fans like that I think the Joe’s pushed a narrative about Trask and people bought it. We all saw what happened in 2023 and that’s why people wanted Trask to start because he out played Baker. Don’t you know at the end of that training camp according to the Joe’s with the starters Baker had 10 picks to Trask 3 . But I think now you should understand Jaden Daniels was drafted by Bowles so that’s why he’s the number 2. It’s NFC championship or bust it’s year 4 no more excuses for Baker or Bowles.
August 30th, 2026 at 9:14 pm
Oneilbuc. “people wanted Trask to start because he outplayed Baker.”
I didn’t have to read it. I saw Oneilbuc had written it.
My bad.
August 30th, 2026 at 9:49 pm
So Oneil when did Bowles draft an undrafted free agent ? Please tell me what round did he draft him in? I totally missed it.
August 30th, 2026 at 10:28 pm
Cutting Browning means one thing: If Baker gets hurt or the team falters to the point we will not make the playoffs, they will give the kid a shot and see if he has anything. If we aren’t making the playoffs, Daniels will play.
Depending on where we draft and how well Daniels performs, we may draft a QB.
If Daniels plays well, he is a cheap player for his first three seasons – giving great cap flexibility. Of course, we know he could command a huge raise, but in theory, the Bucs have some control and can probably keep his salary at a comfortable range before paying big cash – think 49ers and Brock Purdy before he got paid.
If Baker and the team ball out, get ready to pay him. If 44 took a pay cut AND they got rid of Browning, they are keeping their cap as low as possible for resigning people.
Maybe they have a deal for Baker and scraped every bit of cash they could. Not sure. Will be interesting to see how this season pans out.
August 30th, 2026 at 10:32 pm
DBS. He brought him in but to me it’s another short quarterback so at best he’s another Baker. Can’t see over the line and will also lead the NFL in batted passes just like Baker.
August 30th, 2026 at 10:35 pm
Kenton. I know you are shaking in your boots because if Baker goes down his job is gone and you will be on the next team site saying the same thing you say on here.
August 30th, 2026 at 10:51 pm
Oneilbuc. Why don’t you try not to lie all the time? NFL stats say that in 2025 Jared Goff and Caleb Williams led the league with 17 batted down each. Both of those dudes are tall. Trevor Lawrence was third, Oneilbuc, with 16 passes batted down. He’s freakishly tall, Oneilbuc. Baker had 14, Darnold 13. Nix 13.
Learn more about football, Oneilbuc.
August 30th, 2026 at 10:51 pm
This and, I didn’t even read any of this ok? 10 freaking years, what? 4-3 record. I think I read that time, 10 yrs but um, really, this kinda kid with some decent luck, understanding of the playbook, listening to the coach about just taking off, on a quick read and run it. Progression slows the read down, just make sure. Our line Friday straight up Sucked, 3 sacks bro I’ve preached it as well as every sports caster, 1 sack can cost you the game, even with Brady.
August 30th, 2026 at 11:01 pm
Bobby Herbert, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow are constantly among the league leaders in passes batted down, Oneilbuc. That’s 3 TALL QBs. Funny, I read more about it. They say that statistically, height is not a factor, at all, in batted down passes. Imagine that, Oneilbuc is clueless.
August 31st, 2026 at 6:38 am
Kenton. Give up Baker ain’t getting a franchise quarterback contract from the bucs or any other team. My bucs has been on a 5 to 6 game losing streak every year he’s been our quarterback . And trust me just like any other job those GMs talk to each other and Licht know that ain’t no other team looks at Baker as a franchise quarterback that’s why Licht offer him only 2 years.
August 31st, 2026 at 7:30 am
News flash. If Baker goes down the season is proper F’d so it really doesnt matter whether its Browning or Daniels. He’s cheaper, younger and has some upside that they can develop.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:19 am
Next year Mike Tomlin will be the next Bucs head coach lol
August 31st, 2026 at 1:12 pm
There goes Oneil again.You have to copy something another poster says. Shaking in your boots if Baker goes down?
Oh by the way. Last week I suggested they make Daniels #2 so he sit and learn behind Baker. You couldn’t to chime in with your approval. Now he’s just another SHORT Baker that can’t see over the line!. If that’s the case why would any be shaking in their boots?
September 1st, 2026 at 12:15 am
Bucs management actually showed some guts and progressive vision. Daniels at QB2 is the right choice. Browning is hot garbage & if he was any good as QB2, the Bengals wouldn’t have pulled him after 3 games or so when he took over for injured Burrow. He couldn’t hack it and lead the Bengals for the rest of the season when they needed him to. They got Flacco instead.
Daniels cam also still develop and grow as QB2. He’s not going to play any games. Baker plays every game, even when injured. That is why Trask never played and got a fair shot. Baker would play injured instead of sitting out a game. Trask & Bridgewater wouldn’t get to play.