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 8:19 am
Stop your b*tching and let the season play out. You have no clue what’s going to happen until it does.
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.
August 31st, 2026 at 9:32 am
It’s a toss up season. If Baker balls out with the Zac R. offense we celebrate. If Zac is a bust, Bowles and Co. walk the plank, hopefully taking JL with them. Some also might celebrate. Even if it means several years of rebuild.
August 31st, 2026 at 9:56 am
lakeland what are you basing your opinion on that jalon could keep winning games if baker goes down? that’s a serious and honest question?
August 31st, 2026 at 10:05 am
The best thing that could happen is a top 5 pick, another 8-9 season and Bowles n Licht will find some excuse to stay another year and do this all over again, Licht seems like he gets decent talent, but Bowles can’t coach them up, he’s not close to the coach Arians was, we have the talent to be successful on both sides of the ball, our offense has enough pieces to support a rookie QB much better than most teams picking a top of draft type QB, we get the right coach, in 2 years we probably have the top QB in our division with this QB class coming in, Tomlin or McDermott would be massive upgrades to Bowles
August 31st, 2026 at 10:12 am
Speaking of similar size, Dillon Gabriel, Browns, was placed on 4 game injured reserve.
The Browns last pre season game vs Patriots, Gabriel was 12-15 180+ yards , 3 TD’s and 0 int.
Someone for Bucs to consider while Browns slobber over Watson and Sanders.
August 31st, 2026 at 10:12 am
Baker can function without a note taker clipboard (Browning) on the side lines. Jalon Daniels is not an injury waiting to happen like Browning.
August 31st, 2026 at 10:19 am
Daniels needs practice snaps, he can actually get some of them as the #2.
When Tom Moore was with the Colts, he was asked why they don’t give the backup qb more snaps. ” If Peyton goes down we’re f**ked and we don’t practice f**ked”
August 31st, 2026 at 10:19 am
Joe, how about informing your followers about the salary cap, which is designed to produce parody. Every team has weaknesses and are vulnerable to injuries. Look at the 49ers. They have great coaching but have been crushed by injuries. Ño team is going to win a Super Bowl with both starting guards on IR. This life in the NFL. The Eagles had no major injuries when they won. Seattle same thing. Chiefs offensive line was down three starters when we beat them Denver would have been in the Super Bowl last year were it not for injuries. There are stats available for total number of games missed to starter injuries. Injuries are not an excuse,. They are highly predictive of team success. Not completely but in a major way.
August 31st, 2026 at 10:22 am
There are multiple keys to all offenses. All offenses will thrive with a good offensive line, receivers that can get separation and can catch the ball, an offensive coordinator that can devise and call plays that keep the defenses guessing, running backs that can run, catch and block and a quarterback that has the ability to make the throws, evade the rush when necessary and the knowledge to operate the offense on the field by making the right adjustments at the line. Throw in a tenacious defense and good game management by the coach and games can be won. All are keys! On top of all this, a little luck is helpful as well.
August 31st, 2026 at 10:42 am
Chad,
I have confidence in Jalon Daniels ability, maturity
He’s not your average rookie, he’s a 6 year college player
Similar to Bo Nix
August 31st, 2026 at 11:03 am
I don’t think there’s any doubt that the team will be signing a 3rd more experienced Qb to the practice squad. I doubt that Browning would accept it if offered. It will most likely be Baaz.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:13 am
Hope Bucs can get a vet QB, not the two that just got cut either. I wasn’t impressed with Jalon in preseason. He is number two because Browning was even worse. If Baker goes down it’s lights out.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:15 am
Apparently it won’t be Baz or Browning. SR is reporting that their attitude soured because the team was giving JD10 all the reps at practice. It’s going to be interesting to see who they decide to bring in. Maybe one of Chandler’s guys?
August 31st, 2026 at 11:16 am
Lakeland,, come on, not all 6 year guys are the same , Bo Nic college record 33-15,,,, Daniels college record 11-15
August 31st, 2026 at 11:20 am
Glassman, where will Browning go if not the practice squad? He’s horrid.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:38 am
I don’t care where Browning goes, I’d sign Trask to the PS before Browning and that isn’t saying much. The guy has no football awareness. Licht struck out on Vet backup QBs and now we have rookie backup. Hope it works out.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:54 am
Browning took a good look around OBP and shook his head.
I don’t really have a opinion about Browning because it was impossible to study him under the circumstances he was taking his snaps in preseason.
I want any old starting experienced NFL quarterback on the roster.
August 31st, 2026 at 11:57 am
I’d rather have a really talented rookie like Daniels than a crappy csreer-loser veteran backup QB.
August 31st, 2026 at 12:17 pm
It was pretty obvious imo. If you judge a book by its cover, JD was much more outstanding in the preseason. To me what solidified the decision was when Browning went out after that ferocious hit, and JD came in and made a great play. That’s what you hope the backup QB will do during the regular season.
I can’t wait for the Bengals game !!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Bengals !!
August 31st, 2026 at 12:56 pm
@ Hodad Says: “Licht thinking he’s a UDFA genius again.”
Did you miss-out on Lickt being in the booth during the Jags Game!? He said, that HE only deals with the DRAFT, and leaves it up to the scouting department on UDFA’s. Also, they later said that Daniels was Z-Rob’s guy, that he had him as being his 3rd or 4th Best QB in the 2026-Class. So, I don’t believe that Lickt is trying to take credit for ANY of those guys. And, I don’t blame him. It’s actually pretty smart. I would probably try staying as far away as I possibly could, too. I’m sure that he’s LEARNED, after 14 freaking YEARS NOW (too long, just waaaayyy too long, for almost ANY GM – cause THIS is what you’re gonna get).
August 31st, 2026 at 1:09 pm
lakeland… because you believe in him and his ability, you think he can come in and win games against starters right off the bat with no experience throwing the ball against nfl starters on the defensive end? you got more belief in him than 32 teams
August 31st, 2026 at 1:12 pm
Buddha, I believe the salary cap is designed to produce parity. It’s Bowles defensive passing scheme that seems to produce parody.
August 31st, 2026 at 1:42 pm
“He said, that HE only deals with the DRAFT, and leaves it up to the scouting department on UDFA’s.”
Might’ve been for the ’25 draft, but there was a “In The Current” that detailed the draft process and it gave a sneak peek into the draft room where the scouts were all standing around and working tf out of their phones as soon as the 7th round was wrapped up.
It’s vastly undermentioned the role scouts play in going out and finding the talent, but when we hit it’s the GM who serves as the figurehead on the business side as the main credit hoarder. Such isn’t the case, and if you ever find yourself in the company of a collegiate/NFL scout, just chat them up. They’re all ball, all year round.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:13 pm
The Baker Boi(s) won’t take this well… they already view Daniels as a threat and want to demean him whenever possible, but at the same time Baker just said he’s great, and they need to parrot at their Lord and Savior says.
BUT, they’ll just do what they always do, and say Baker doesn’t mean, he’s such a great guy he wants to build everyone up, but Baker secretly knows Daniels is a bum. That’s what they’ll say. LOL!
August 31st, 2026 at 3:39 pm
I don’t remember Rod saying Daniels is a bum before today’s comment.
August 31st, 2026 at 3:40 pm
Did I misread him?
August 31st, 2026 at 4:01 pm
Brownning and Baze have no one to blame but themselves. Both sucked really bad. Undrafted FA comes in and outplays you, that means you suck.
Daniels obviously needs snaps under center and is probably another year away from being serviceable so we better pray that Baker stays upright. This is why I’m with Gruden on the hand clap spread offenses.
August 31st, 2026 at 6:19 pm
Easton Stick. Soon to be #2 QB. Good move.
August 31st, 2026 at 6:19 pm
While it’s too early to know where Jalon’s ceiling is, my gut feeling is that he can be developed and become a starting QB in the NFL. If he is coachable, he’s in what seems like a great situation if Chandler Whitmer is as good a QB guru as people are claiming.
That said, he’s got a LOT to learn, including the playbook, so Baker needs to stay healthy throughout the season.
September 4th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
Bucs do not need a veteran Qb. Waste of money!