Jalon Daniels Did Not Freelance His Touchdown Run
August 15th, 2026
No freelancer.
If you watched the high-angle replay of Bucs rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels’ touchdown run from last night’s 24-16 worthless preseason win over the Jets, maybe you caught the same thing Joe noticed.
It sure didn’t look like through the WFLA-TV broadcast cameras like Jalon Daniels followed his blockers on his one-yard plunge for a touchdown. While his blockers crashed to the inside, Daniels went just to the right of his blockers.
After the game, Daniels said there was no way he was going to call his own play there. But the play was off-script.
“That was Z-Rob,” Daniels said of Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. “I didn’t go out there and say, ‘Alright, Z-Rob, forget the play, I’m going to go run this play.’ No, that’s not what happened.
“I went to go talk to Z-Rob and he was like, ‘OK… We don’t have this one on the script, but we’re going to run this one.'”
Again, it looked to Joe that Daniels didn’t follow his blockers. Hey, whatever, it worked. Six points!
Perhaps Daniels is beginning to bloom? Daniels said Bucs assistants have been busy deprogramming him from the offense he ran at Kansas.
“I give a lot of thanks to coach TJ [Yates], coach Chandler [Whitmer] and coach Z-Rob,” Daniels said. “As I’ve been saying from the very beginning of being here, we’ve worked on a lot of different things that have helped me get out of certain habits I had in college as far as footwork, as far as being able to see the field differently.
“I think conceptually what Z-Rob does, I have a better understanding of it than when I first got here. I think the amount of extra work that I got with the guys that I went out in the second half with, allowed us to be able to go out there and execute.”
Well, one thing was obvious to Joe: Daniels is more accurate thrower than Connor Bazelak. Also, Daniels has wheels, which gives him escapability.
Joe can easily see the Bucs keeping Daniels for his legs alone. He would be a really good scout team quarterback, especially when the Bucs are prepping for a mobile quarterback.
The question is, would Daniels be a third-string quarterback as part of the 53-man roster, or do the Bucs try to sneak him through waivers and put him on the practice squad?
August 15th, 2026 at 7:38 am
This is a no brainer, the Bucs would be foolish to leave him off the 53 man roster when making the final cuts.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:42 am
Welp, Brady was a 6th, Purdy was a mr. irrelevant….so who knows, we just might have the first “Mr. Undrafted”….wouldnt that be something lol.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:45 am
You don’t put him on the PS. Didn’t they already give him big money as a FA? Baze has no business being on an NFL roster. You could see the difference in the arm talent when JD came in. Forget his wheels, which is a plus, the kid has an NFL arm. If he was 6′ 4″ instead of barely 6 feet he wouldn’t have lasted 6 years in college with that arm. This system fits him well. He has to make the roster, Browning is already hurt, on a one year deal. I wouldn’t risk Carolina signing him to there roster should we try to sneak him on the PS. They were desperate enough to sign Trask. He’s shown enough to make the 53.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:51 am
Yes , you need to keep this kid. He was impressive. I not really a fan of Browning . If Baker goes down I think the offense is introuble.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:58 am
“worthless preseason win” Lt. Dan is now triggered as well has hung over. Thanks Joseph.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:02 am
He’d be good to keep just for tush push plays when you only need a yard for a first down or touchdown. That would save Baker from taking some hits.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:02 am
I keep browning for experience and get rid of Bazelac. And keep the rookie on the active 53. Baz didn’t look that impressive especially when he tried to throw downfield.. I do hope we open it up more in the next game. Seeing so many screen passes does not give warm fuzzies.. I hate to throw short of the sticks on 3rd down and hope the receiver runs for a first.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:11 am
He has a very quick and snappy release, I like everything about him other than his accuracy. He makes the right decision, with the right timing, right everything but… the ball placement on arrival seems to be less than ideal .
August 15th, 2026 at 8:25 am
So true confession. I grew bored with Bazelak so early I tuned to a movie.
Apparently my mistake since it sounds like from posts here that Daniels had a coming out party and might be the real deal.
Going simply on the description, short for an NFL QB, strong arm, great wheels you’re describing a Baker Mayfield clone with better speed. I didn’t get to see it so perhaps I’m misreading the posts.
I would be nice however to have a backup QB whose skill set mirrors the starting QB, a backup that would be plug and play with no needed adjustments.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:26 am
The backup QB won’t play a snap this season so having Browning as QB2 is a waste. Since Daniels needs experience in an actual game to get better its best to have him as QB2 if Bake goes down for the season. We already know what Browning can do which is not a lot. Let’s the young guys play
August 15th, 2026 at 8:27 am
he reminds me of a Sean King II. his style of play -though his arm looks stronger than Seans. SK was a great qb who helped us a lot during our first super bowl run.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:31 am
Can he tackle punt returners?
August 15th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Once labor day comes the bucs,will pick up players from other teams left unprotected.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:39 am
the problem with what your saying bee, is jalen has talent and could be a good qb, but he was playing against 3rd stringers with no experience against nfl starters. browning has that so he will be qb2. i definitely keep jalen on the roster as qb3 though. give him a few years to develop
August 15th, 2026 at 8:43 am
I think this offense looked Alot better than last year Zac is a real OC an Alot id Guys impressed me last night
August 15th, 2026 at 8:47 am
Bazelak is a joke. One hoppers. Jumpers. Nothing on time.
Great job, Licht! No CB depth. No QB depth.
But Braswell is going to be great!!!! Right?
August 15th, 2026 at 8:50 am
Yup Marky mark…..im hoping Keith Abney ends up on a PS and we snag him….HE’s small but fast, has that twitch
August 15th, 2026 at 9:00 am
Jalon made an impressive start last night.
Connor? Not so much…
Jalon will get snagged by another team if we put him on the practice squad.
Better to put him on the 53-man roster and keep Connor on the P.S.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Any possibility that he potentially blossoms so much they let Baker walk? The guy has played a ton of college football and the best QB’s tend to have a lot of college games played.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Mark my words…Daniels will be the backup to Mayfield this season…screw practice squad
August 15th, 2026 at 9:12 am
Mark my words…Daniels will be the number 2 behind Mayfield this season
August 15th, 2026 at 9:23 am
I liked what I saw from Jaelon he needs reps next two games to see his depth of understanding…. But damn what a slingshot arm. GO BUCS!!!
August 15th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Ballzack looked rough last night. I did not get a chance to watch only listen to the second half of the game but it seemed his stat sheet was better. Obviously Daniels was playing the jets bottom of the roster though.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Yeah Daniels has upside in comparison to Bazelak, we must move on from CB at end of camp
August 15th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Read the predraft reports on Daniel. Talented but often injured. Played six years at KU. Strong arm, but accuracy issues in middle of field. Footwork needs massive work.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:45 am
Daniels would not likely make it through waivers. If Mayfield were to get hurt this year, the Bucs are toast, no matter the #2. So put Daniels on the 53 and expose Browning to waivers. They can elevate him on game days if they really want him to be the first option behind Mayfield.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:46 am
He’ll probably be the practice team QB. That said he looks like he could be the #2 next season. Of course Bowles always goes with the more experienced guys. He’s got a quick release and strong arm.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:59 am
But what will Brownings insta spouse do for content if he doesn’t make the roster?
August 15th, 2026 at 10:35 am
Bucs fans see the obvious.
Daniels > Bazelak against the soon to be unemployed or practice squad guys.
Daniels still needs a lot of work and polish but better potential than Bazelak if one day we need one as QB1.
August 15th, 2026 at 10:39 am
Perfect guy to compete with a rookie next offseason, lol
August 15th, 2026 at 10:52 am
Practice squad value for sure… Bucs don’t need a one read run guy!
Bucs usually roll with 2 QBs, so Bakers (of course) and Browning as Backup….
August 15th, 2026 at 11:03 am
I think Daniels made so great plays and was smart…but, man, is that guy small. Still…He’s worthy of more looks. Better than Jake? We shall see. It’s not a huge leap.
August 15th, 2026 at 11:05 am
Tye Says:
“Practice squad value for sure… Bucs don’t need a one read run guy! Bucs usually roll with 2 QBs, so Bakers (of course) and Browning as Backup….”
Here’s the thing…Browning almost didn’t play. He ‘tweaked’ his back in practice. If he is that fragile, the Bucs shouldn’t make him the #2. That said…I don’t think Daniels should be the #2 either. I think they need to replace Browning with someone who can stay healthy and has a chance to win a couple games.
August 15th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Daniels should be Qb2 this year, and I would move on from Baker’s huge team-crippling salary and make Daniels our QB1 next year and see how he does.
I think he has the most talent and best size and athleticism out of the QB’s on our team.
He looks like an NFL QB and he has an accurate cannon for an arm.
Our QB of the Future if it was up to me.
August 15th, 2026 at 11:11 am
Daniels is listed as 6’4″ 219 Lbs.
At least that’s what they showed on TV last night
August 15th, 2026 at 11:48 am
The real question is whether Browning is actually any better than Daniels. Seems to me that Daniels may have a much higher ceiling, even though he’s obviously far less experienced.
Ballsack will be working in a different industry within weeks.
August 15th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Daniels will never make it to a practice squad. Know the rules – that means he can signed by any team. There are maybe 15 decent QBs in the NFL. If there is a 5% chance this kid can play, he has be on the roster.
August 15th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Sign Baker, make Daniels his backup. In a few years of working on accuracy, maybe Daniels becomes *the guy*- depending on how long Baker wants to play.
August 15th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
I Like what MadMax said about “Mr. Undrafted”. I think he is a keeper and has a future in the league if he can be developed by good coaches!
August 15th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
If Baker leaves next season, I’m not sure if Browning or Daniel’s will be the starter. I hope we can see both play in the same preseason game.
August 15th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
I would definitely keep him over old Ballzack. He at least has some upside. Old Ballzack has NONE whatsoever. ZERO. I mean, haven’t we all seen ENOUGH from him already… What are WE EVEN DOING!? Greene disappointed me a little last night.
August 15th, 2026 at 4:44 pm
mj Says:
August 15th, 2026 at 8:27 am
…SK was a great qb who helped us a lot during our first super bowl run.
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Did we go to the Soper Bowl 3 times? I must have over slept on the one that Sean King led us to!! ROFL!!
August 15th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
Put him at #2! Baker isn’t going to let him play anyway but at least, he will get valuable reps in practice. As for Browning, NFL experience doesn’t mean anything if you’re a scrub.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:38 pm
More articles on this kid Joe!! We’re all intrigued!!
August 15th, 2026 at 8:19 pm
Holy Crap!! There’s no way Light drafted him! Was he a walk on?? Now let’s cross are fingers the the worst coach in the league doesn’t ruin him..
FU@# YOU JUST CANT FIX STUPID!!! GO Bucs!!
August 15th, 2026 at 9:51 pm
You know who else was small? Drew Brees. Don’t let the physical size determine the size of the heart. Kid looks promising.
August 15th, 2026 at 10:01 pm
is like King with way more upside upside, slightly more danger. kept forgetting it wasn’t King lol