Quarterback Jalon Daniels began the 2026 season as an undrafted rookie, with little expectation that he would play a big role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense so early in his professional career. However, Baker Mayfield’s injury created an opportunity for Daniels to step into the spotlight.
Daniels faced a tough challenge in Week 6 when the Buccaneers went up against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ultimately suffering a 26-19 loss in overtime, but New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski remains confident in the rookie’s potential.
Rob Gronkowski Sees Long-Term Potential in Jalon Daniels
Daniels had a rough outing against the Steelers, throwing two interceptions in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers’ overtime loss.
His performance took a big hit on the final play, as an unaccounted-for Jalen Ramsey broke through on a blitz to sack him on fourth down. He finished the game with 22 completions on 43 attempts for 164 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He now ranks No. 30 in the league with a 64.6 PFN QB Impact Grade.
The Steelers held a clear advantage in total offense, outgaining Tampa Bay 300-224, and Daniels didn’t look good in the game. However, Gronkowski had high praise for the rookie QB’s potential on “The Gronk & Jules Show” on Tuesday.
“I really do like this guy Jalon Daniels,” Gronkowski said. “He definitely is playing himself into a backup role, if not a starting role in the future, or a backup role where it’s possible that you might be the starter this year. This is down the road. We’re talking three, four, five years.
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“But this guy looks like he can be a journeyman at minimum for a long time. He’s definitely making money as the backup quarterback right now, starting for the Buccaneers. He’s making money down the future. And he’s very poised for an undrafted rookie, free agent quarterback and just how he handles himself and represents himself.”
Across four appearances, he has thrown for 501 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions while also taking nine sacks.
However, Daniels has proved that he can contribute to winning football, as he helped the Buccaneers secure their first win of the season in a primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. He completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, avoiding any interceptions as Tampa Bay came away with the win.
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Daniels also put the Buccaneers in a position to beat Pittsburgh before the Steelers mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. While Daniels’ late interceptions ultimately hurt Tampa Bay’s chances, Gronkowski seems to believe the experience could help the quarterback develop.
“He’s going to be a hot commodity whenever he comes up in the free agent market as a backup quarterback,” Gronkowski added. “He’s going to make some dough because of it.”
Daniels’ immediate role with Tampa Bay remains uncertain as head coach Todd Bowles indicated that Wednesday’s practice would provide a clearer picture of whether Mayfield could return for the Buccaneers’ upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.