How Much Rope Will Jalon Daniels Get?
October 1st, 2026
Bucs postseason hopes are very much on the line Sunday, as are jobs at One Buc Palace.
Heck, Joe might need a part-time job if the Bucs have a winless season.
At least a few Buccaneers football people — and their families, unfortunately — will start thinking hard about where they’ll be working and living in January if the Bucs lose on Sunday. That’s the coaching life in the NFL.
Through the years, multiple assistant coaches have told Joe they read JoeBucsFan.com regularly to get a pulse on their job security.
So that’s got Joe wondering about undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels starting Sunday against the Packers. Daniels is a fun prospect with a live arm. He’s talented and he seems like a great dude. But how much rope will Todd Bowles give him?
This isn’t 2009 with first-time-starting quarterback Josh Johnson taking four starts before the Bucs handed the torch to Josh Freeman during a first-year regime. Sunday’s scenario has a ton more urgency. (Amazingly, Johnson is still in the league with the Bengals.)
If Daniels struggles, might he get pulled late Sunday for veteran backup Easton Stick, who the Bucs signed five weeks ago? Or would Stick start Thursday against the Cowboys?
It’s hard to say what the level of panic is at One Buc Palace, if they’re panicking at all.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:03 am
The Packers will be anticipating a “run heavy” approach. Ideally the Bucs should use play action w/ bootlegs early. Give Daniels the option of tucking and running or hitting an open receiver.
If Robison comes out run-run pass it’s going to be a long day.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:05 am
With former players all over the media talking poorly about the Bucs coaching… I imagine Glazers and Licht are taking a healthy dose of reality with a slap in the face.
They should be. If they are, they know they are already done for and wins right now are very unlikely.
As Defense Rules said in a previous post, they made a bed and are now laying in it.
Players need to go have fun, play loose, let Daniels run and sling. Just go for it. How is Easton Stick gonna help Bowles any more than Daniels? His extensive NFL experience?
The coaches clearly had a say in keeping Daniels. You keep him in games and let him get experience unless it’s so bad he’s getting abused or looks like his confidence is being ruined. With Robinson and this OL play, I suppose that’s very possible.
Good luck to Jaylon, I hope he plays well. The fantasy of him coming in, being better than Baker and leading the Bucs to wins… seems incredibly far fetched and unlikely with this current iteration of the team and its coaches. See how guys step up around him I guess.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:08 am
Agree with that JustOneGame.
But also gonna need to be a bit run heavy I believe. As you said it’s about sequencing.
Pass on 1st, pass on 2nd, run on 3rd, whatever. Just don’t telegraph 1st down runs all game.
This would be a great Tucker game with Bucky not fully healthy. Sadly, I imagine the coaches are currently planning the opposite.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:09 am
A good OC will craft a game plan to give the young QB easy throws to build confidence and since this team is running the ball fairly well keep doing it. This game to me should be about the pride of the offensive line. Blow people off the ball and run it with purpose and help your quarterback out.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:20 am
I think ZRob prob trusts Jalon Daniels more than he does Baker right now.
As do I.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:20 am
Hopefully baker tears both mcls and acls and never dresses up in a bucs uniform he sucks
October 1st, 2026 at 11:21 am
Bowles and Licht have, in my opinion, painted themselves into a corner by keeping Daniel’s as the #2.
They are already being questioned and second guessed about the decision to do that and let Browning walk. It’s pretty much expected that Daniels will struggle in his first few starts. Undrafted, rookie, all of that.
But if he struggles and they pull him they’ll look even more foolish. Best thing they can do is let the young man play no matter what.
When Mayfield is ready to play reevaluate Daniels and his performance and adjust accordingly.
Stand by your ddecisions.Or risk loosing whatever credibility there was left.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:22 am
I doubt if there is panic. They gas-lichted themselves into believing this was a good coach and staff. Todd’s the best man for the job they were told. They are probably just dumbfounded. Emphasis on dumb. Will they shock us and make a change to this disaster early? I bet no. Surely, JL is telling them everything will work out. Todd will fix it. Now he has the excuse he needed. It would not surprise to see both Todd and JL back again next year. And another OC.
Todd won’t pull the plug on the rookie too soon. He will just dumb down the game plan to a slow slog of run, run, pass, punt. Play prevent defense until time runs out with a “respectable” loss. Unless Daniels is either very lucky or much better than expected another loss is on the table. Bowles has no ingenuity or creativity. He will play it safe as usual or even safer. I feel sorry for Jalon. It’s good he has such an upbeat personality. He’s going to need it.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:23 am
Love how everyone says to use his legs when the pocket collapses! U know the same exact thing they are howling at Baker NOT to do! And just stay back there calm as a cucumber when they blitz his arse like crazy and make poised throws down field to our wide open receivers! Too funny
October 1st, 2026 at 11:28 am
he should get a 3 game leash….
doesnt matter if he’s an UDFA Rookie, we’re 0-3 and 3-0…
Stick, started in four games to close out the 2023 season, all losses for the Chargers….he’s not better than JD10…him having “experience” means nothing if he’s never won a game as a starter
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 1st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Robinson can sell an RPO with the QB run actually being an option, so I don’t think “how much rope” is the real question that needs to be asked. The real question is how does Daniels’ strengths as a player change what Robinson can call with Jalon in the game.
We saw some designed runs with Daniels in the preseason, I can’t even remember the last time we attempted a QB sneak to pick a yard up with Baker in the last 3 years. So 10-15 yards off the GL, I wouldn’t be shocked to see an option looks turn into a QB keeper and banking on Daniels’ quickness and speed to cross the goalline. We can’t do that with #6.
So again capabilities at QB changing for better and worse, may bring about results that are better or worse than if Baker were playing.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:30 am
The best thing going for Jalon Daniels
He’s coachable
He’s going to follow the game plan, no Freelancing
October 1st, 2026 at 11:36 am
So far Robinson has a GPA of 0.0 based on performance.
I’m just going to drink heavily and make the best of Sunday.
Letting the Bowels lead Yucs control my happiness is futile.
Started my draft analysis last night. I’ll take Manning with pick #1.
He’ll be the starter within the first five weeks especially if Super Todd returns.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:38 am
As much as he needs….
TBBF TAKE
Our offense has multiple problems.
Poor Protections, WRs not getting open….poor play calling…..penalties….
Sure, some of the problem has been Mayfield…..but if you watch the tape, you can see that he is immediately under pressure……continually looking for open receivers. And the defenses seem to know what play we are calling.
If these problems aren’t solved, it doesn’t matter who the QB is.
Our defense has played well enough to win all three games……turnovers, special teams and an impotent offense are the culprits.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:45 am
The bucs are 0 and 3 with the starters panic? I’m sure everyone has feelers out for other job prospects.
October 1st, 2026 at 11:57 am
How much rope does Jalon Daniels get? Hopefully more than the offensive line gives him. Easton Stick waiting in the bullpen is less “break glass in emergency” and more “break glass, find another piece of glass.”
Daniels doesn’t need a short leash. Try this instead. Give him three seconds and an open receiver. I know how crazy that sounds. But…
October 1st, 2026 at 11:57 am
If there was a betting line on whether or not the first play from scrimmage with Daniels at QB will be a handoff, the odds would be 1,000-1.
I’d have him drop back and show off that arm. A go route up the sideline or a post in the middle to Godwin, if he’s healthy enough to do it.
Don’t put handcuffs on the kid. The worst that can happen is they lose.
But playing conservatively will enrage the 41 Bucs fans that attend the game.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
I’m sure Jalon may make a few plays early. However, since he hasn’t been under real pressure in a pro game, he;s bound to struggle. We just have to roll the dice that he can endure.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Leave Daniels in. Let him live and learn.
If Todd pulls him he will be trying to do the impossible—save his job by claiming he can’t win with his starter hurt.
“Todd, you’re 2-10 with your starter.”
“I’m aware of that,” says Bowles while digging into his abysmally deep bag of excuses. “But we’d be 0-12 without him.”
Wait, I retract those statements. With this ownership Bowles might even get extended.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:06 pm
Paging Kyle Trask . I believe he is still a free agent.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:08 pm
There are no post season chances. The Panthers and saints both look capable of winning 8-9 games if not 10 and if penix plays 70% of the way he did a week ago that’s a 7-8 win team.
While I thought 7-9 wins, and most likely 8 was the likely outcome of the ‘26 season, look at the schedule. At best they go 4-10 the rest of the way. This weekend and against the chargers look like games that we could pull out due to mediocre player performance and inept coaching on the other side.
Unless Daniels is embarrassing let him play out his opportunity. Spoiler alert: this team isn’t capable of being embarrassed.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Not saying Baker is not smartish , but Jalon Daniels is really bright as he won NFF award , Pop Warner Award, and Big12 Scholar athlete of the Year Award. Daniels will process the information quickly and get the ball out quickly, which is extremely important for keeping the heat off the QB.
Baker ran a 4.84 40 at the combine and is certainly no faster nowadays. Daniels ran a 4.65 which is not blazing, but about the same as Steve Young for reference. Daniels runs with his eyes up and looking downfield and that is a necessity.
Jalon Daniels combination of quickness, smarts, and the ability to throw accurately on fade routes will improve our offense and get us a victory Sunday.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:14 pm
It doesn’t get much worse than the play Baker got injured on. He held the ball so long. Even Jameis probably would have threw it away at that point. I’m rooting for Daniels. Hope he gives us fans something to get excited again.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:33 pm
The seeds for all of this were planted when the owners didn’t have the courage to let Bowles go and keep Coen. This IS the organizational decision that will change the Bucs trajectory downward for at least 5 years. We are now in year 2- post Coen. And Coen and the Jags are clearly ascending.
October 1st, 2026 at 12:45 pm
I don’t care if it’s 0-52, kid stays in the whole game if he’s healthy
October 1st, 2026 at 12:52 pm
He’s STILL in the NFL at 40. What a fantastic career for him. I don’t care what his stats show, it’s amazing that he’s been earning spots with teams for so long.
October 1st, 2026 at 1:37 pm
Just throwing stuff against the wall but wonder if chargers would trade Justin Herbert. Give both of them a fresh start. Or Burrow if they go nowhere this year. Otherwise draft a qb every year till we get one worth a damn. Its why teams make playoffs every year and we suck for decades on end.
October 1st, 2026 at 1:37 pm
i HOPE Buc Owners, the Glazers finally see what not having the balls to fire Bowles got them. After this season? CLEAN HOUSE BABY! Licht too! Now having said this, I wish Daniels the best. Lets also hope he did some extra leg work this week. Because He might be running for his life.
October 1st, 2026 at 1:46 pm
The Bucs selected Daniels to be the back-up, so they need to let him play the entire game. There will be bumps along the way, but they have to give him enough time to learn and adjust to the NFL game speed.
October 1st, 2026 at 1:47 pm
This is very interesting turning point in the Bucs organization if Daniels plays well – read: doesn’t turn it over more than once – and wins.
Let’s say with this rookie playing well enough to do a Shaun King 1999 impersonation the Bucs pull out a 8-9 season.
A huge cascade of decisions starts to bubble up….
1. What happens to Baker?
2. Does Bowles keep his job for winning?
3. Is Daniels the guy?
4. Is Licht blamed for the 9 loss season and resigning Baker, or rewarded for finding a UDFA that can win 8 games?
Fun times ahead. The most fun as a fan is being a great team. But the Bucs are not great, so I’m rooting for them to be interesting.
October 1st, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Why am I being moderated? Pfft.
October 1st, 2026 at 1:54 pm
I cannot believe to uttered the words playoffs! Must be nice to live in that dream world.
October 1st, 2026 at 2:01 pm
There shouldn’t be any leash on Daniels.
He should be the starter going forward until Mr Happy Feet is healthy enough to run into more sacks and over throw WRs.
October 1st, 2026 at 2:02 pm
How much rope given? What are we gonna do, bench him?
Todds the one at the end of his rope, way past it!
October 1st, 2026 at 2:16 pm
Jalon is here to manage the tank and, if necessary, be the scapegoat.
October 1st, 2026 at 2:23 pm
Todd, I think you are on to something. Baker has never seemed like he read defenses real well. Reminds me of JW in that he can’t process the chaos in the secondary after the snap real well.
We had the best to ever do it a few years ago and got spoiled. Brady knew what the defense was going to do before they did (most of the time). And that’s not just a clever turn of phrase. There’s a reason ALL offenses are built on timing. Baker rarely throws a first read timing pass because he can’t see it. And that’s not because of height. Just like JW he likes to scramble and find the guy after the play breaks down. It’s a lot easier for him that way. Just an opinion.
October 1st, 2026 at 3:17 pm
Lets say that Daniels pulls off a massive upset victory or victories while Baker is out, what then? Will Daniels be benched for Baker when he is ready to go?
October 1st, 2026 at 3:29 pm
The plan was/is to play him….good or bad. If he shows promise….great, you’re developing a young QB as a hedge to Mayfield as well as competition to keep Mayfield with some competition to produce or benched. If he’s terrible….you’re going to gain better draft position and potentially position for a haul if there’s a QB someone is high on in the draft. I think when we signed Mayfields extension, we accepted that reality.
As the saying goes, if you have two QBs you really have none so Bucs went all in on Mayfield this season, unfortunately we’re 0-3 and Mayfield is hurt but that’s the risk that was calculated and accepted. Worst case, we have draft capital for next HC. Seems like a reasonable trade off, injuries happen as do coaching changes. Bowles got himself into a corner that had little room for error. That’s what happens with being consistently ok with being “1 game back” in the worst division in football.
October 1st, 2026 at 3:50 pm
@ View From Outer Space Says: “Is Licht blamed for the 9 loss season and resigning Baker, or rewarded for finding a UDFA that can win 8 games?”
Lickt told Ronde and Chris Myers during the 2nd Preseason Game (up in the booth), that HE only deals with our ‘draft-picks’ and has nothing to do with signing UDFA’s… He leaves that entirely up to the Scouting Department. And, also said that “Daniels” was Z-Rob’s guy, that he had ranked as HIS #3 or #4 QB in the 2026 QB-Class.
October 1st, 2026 at 4:35 pm
At this point there’s really nothing to lose. We’re 0-3 and there are no Mahomeses or Josh Allens out there on the street waiting to be picked up. Let the kid play, for better or for worse, and we’ll see what happens when Baker is back hopefully sooner than later.
October 1st, 2026 at 4:42 pm
Good info Melvin. I missed that during preseason.
October 1st, 2026 at 5:13 pm
@KIDFLO Great post! …Wait I know how bout kapernick!
October 1st, 2026 at 5:16 pm
Im surprised onielbuc isn’t preaching Kapernick he also doesn’t support the American way of life ,or does he ,hell i dont know, he doesn’t either UGH..
October 1st, 2026 at 5:59 pm
With our line, getting pulled won’t be his problem.
Trying to prevent being carted off will be his major concern