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NFL·BREAKING·September 30, 2026 11:06 AM ET

Undrafted Jalon Daniels becomes first rookie QB to start

0-3 Bucs turn to Kansas rookie with Mayfield out

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 40m1 min read
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Jalon Daniels is the first rookie QB to start this season. The undrafted free agent from Kansas will get a start before Via @JamesPalmerTV on X

What happened: Jalon Daniels will start at quarterback for the 0-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Baker Mayfield sidelined at least three weeks. The undrafted Kansas rookie becomes the first rookie quarterback to start a game this season, ahead of all 10 drafted quarterbacks.

Why it matters: Tampa Bay sits 0-3, leaving little margin as it turns to an undrafted rookie at the league's most important position. Daniels reaching a first start before the entire drafted quarterback class underscores how quickly the depth chart shifted after Mayfield's absence.

By the numbers: Mayfield completed 343 of 543 passes for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions across 17 games in 2025. Tampa Bay is 0-3 entering Daniels' start. Ten quarterbacks were drafted in 2026; none had started before the undrafted Kansas rookie.

What to watch: Daniels' debut will show how Tampa Bay adjusts its offense without Mayfield. His play over the next three weeks will shape the quarterback rotation when Mayfield is eligible to return.

Sources

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NFLBreakingTampa Bay BuccaneersJalon DanielsBaker Mayfield
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