What was once a quiet headline quickly became the biggest storyline by the time the Bucs played their preseason finale against the Jaguars on Friday night.

The backup quarterback battle was viewed as Jake Browning’s job to lose after he signed with the team on a one-year deal in free agency. Turns out, Browning did lose after he was cut from the team, officially making undrafted signal-caller Jalon Daniels the top backup.

Jalon Daniels Flashed In The Bucs Preseason While Jake Browning Faltered

Jalon Daniels has drawn plenty of high praise from the Bucs organization since he joined the team after entering the league undrafted out of Kansas. From the start of rookie mini-camp, Daniels was commended for his quick grasp of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s system. Not only did his early knowledge help, but so did his performance throughout training camp and the preseason.

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Possessing a powerful arm and plus athleticism, those abilities translated well throughout the three-game exhibition slate.

It began with Daniels having a strong showing against the Jets, completing 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards and adding a 1-yard touchdown run in a 24-16 win. That is when it started to become more of an open competition than initially believed, especially as Jake Browning did not play in the game after suffering a back injury during the team’s joint practices.

In the second preseason game against the Chiefs, Daniels was a sparkplug. Browning took a beating throughout the game, completing 8 of 11 passes for 84 yards. Still, the veteran failed to lead a single scoring drive as Tampa Bay was down 9-0.

Bucs QB Jake Browning – Photo by IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

There was a different kind of energy when Daniels entered the game. He orchestrated three straight scoring drives as the Bucs came back to win 16-15. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. One could sense the 23-year-old was close to winning the backup quarterback job by the time the third preseason game began. Throughout the week in Jacksonville, Pewter Report was on-hand to observe the rookie getting extensive reps with the second-team. He entered the game first on Friday night, completing 8 of 15 passes for 57 yards.

It was a step back from what Daniels showed to begin the preseason, but he also tried to overcome bland playcalling, several wide receiver drops, and poor offensive line play. Those factors played a part, but the coaching staff and front office saw enough to make him QB2. Just to point out, Browning completed 2 of 4 passes for only two passing yards when he entered the game.

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

The energy and juice that Jalon Daniels has brought should give the Bucs optimism in 2026 and beyond that he can be the backup quarterback of the future. He still has plenty of room to develop, and down the road could become a starter — either in Tampa Bay or elsewhere.

Pewter Report has plenty of analysis and insight to share on a special Sunday edition of the Pewter Report Podcast as the Bucs continue to trim the roster down from 90 players to the final 53-man squad for Week 1. Tune in at 11:45 AM ET and subscribe to PewterReportTV.