Jalon Daniels

Daniels's record so far is short but sharply defined by one fact: he reached an NFL starting lineup without being drafted. He earned second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2022 while running the Kansas offense, then signed with Tampa Bay as a college free agent in May 2026 and beat out the competition for the backup job behind Baker Mayfield. His first career start, in Week 5 against Dallas on Thursday Night Football, ended in a win, and he finished the 2026 regular season with 337 passing yards. For a rookie with no draft status, turning a single primetime opportunity into a victory and a stable roster role is the achievement that matters most at this stage.