Report: Jalon Daniels set to be first rookie QB starter

Undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will become the first rookie quarterback to start a game this season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter reported Sunday that none of the 10 quarterbacks drafted this year had started a game entering Week 4.

Daniels is listed in Keel Stats data with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has appeared in one game in 2026–27, recording three passing attempts, one interception, one rushing attempt and 9 rushing yards. The available sample does not include a reported passing-yardage total or completion total for Daniels.

Tampa Bay’s early-season profile

The Buccaneers are 0-3 in 2026–27. Their offense ranks 30th of 32 teams in our EPA rankings, while their defense ranks sixth of 32. Those rankings show a large early split between Tampa Bay’s offensive and defensive results.

Schefter’s report identifies Daniels as an undrafted rookie rather than one of the 10 drafted rookie quarterbacks. The report named Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, Cole Payton, Taylen Green, Athan Kaliakmanis, Behren Morton and Garrett Nussmeier as the drafted rookies who had not started entering Week 4.

Daniels’ reported start would therefore precede a start by any of those drafted rookies this season, based on Schefter’s report. His one-game statistical record and Tampa Bay’s 0-3 record provide the available Keel Stats context entering the start.