NFL

The Buccaneers will have a new man under center when they take the field in Week 4.

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Longtime starter Baker Mayfield was cut down by a thumb injury on his throwing hand. The ailment will leave him on the sidelines for three weeks, leaving Tampa Bay without a steady hand to guide its attack.

In Mayfield’s stead rises another option, one who has played precious few NFL snaps at this point in his career. Jalon Daniels was somewhat unheralded during his collegiate career. Now 23, he hopes to show that he has the gifts to carry an NFL franchise — albeit for a fleeting moment. The Buccaneers hope so, too.

With that, here’s what you need to know about Daniels, the first rookie set to get a start in 2026.

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Who is Jalon Daniels?

Daniels emerged as Mayfield’s understudy during the preseason, displacing Jake Browning to land the role. The undrafted free agent made his big-league debut in the Buccaneers’ Week 3 loss to the Vikings, tossing an interception on his lone pass attempt — a Hail Mary at the horn.

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The 23-year-old first came to prominence at Kansas, committing to join the Jayhawks’ nascent program ahead of the 2020 season. Daniels spent five years in Lawrence, taking hold of the starting spot as a junior. He proceeded to enjoy a glistening campaign, completing 66.1 percent of passes for 2,014 yards and 25 total touchdowns to just four interceptions.

Daniels’ play earned rave reviews. He was named the Big 12’s Preseason Player ahead of the 2023 season, with some tipping him to earn early-round NFL Draft consideration. He was felled by a handful of injuries, limiting him to just three games.

The Lawndale, Calif. native turned things around in his final two seasons, becoming one of the program’s most decorated hurlers.

Despite flying under the radar as a prospect, Daniels possesses a handful of captivating traits. He has a fairly lively arm and has shown an ability to create with his legs, although his accuracy can wane at times, per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report.

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