Jalon Daniels aims to be "the thermostat" in his first NFL start
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Jalon Daniels, an undrafted quarterback, is set to start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Green Bay Packers due to Baker Mayfield’s dislocated thumb, making him the first rookie QB to start a game in the 2026 season before any drafted rookies.
- Daniels, who spent six years and played 49 games at Kansas, earned the backup role over Jake Browning this summer and now has the opportunity to lead an NFL offense early in his career.
- Mayfield advised Daniels to stay composed and be himself on the field, while Daniels emphasized the importance of being a steady, balanced presence for the team, describing himself as a "thermostat" rather than a "thermometer."
- The Buccaneers are currently 0-3, and Daniels’ performance in his first start could help stabilize the team amid growing pressure on the coaching staff and players.
- Daniels’ rapid rise from undrafted player to starting quarterback within a month highlights his resilience and readiness to contribute at the professional level.
