Jalon Daniels rallies Buccaneers again in preseason win over Chiefs

Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times on Aug 22, 2026

Published in Football

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TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield’s appearance in Saturday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t long enough to even be considered a cameo. It was a glimpse. A peek without peaking.

Eight plays. Four passes. Two completions. Zero points.

But the biggest reason for Mayfield’s short night was that the Bucs were missing three offensive tackles who sat out with injuries: Tristan Wirfs, Justin Skule and Ben Chukwuma.

Backup quarterback Jake Browning entered the game on the third offensive series. He took some vicious hits and managed to complete 9 of 12 passes for 84 yards but produced no points.

On the other hand, did you check out Jalon Daniels?

For the second straight week, the undrafted free agent from Kansas entered the game and not only changed the tempo but also the scoreboard in the Bucs’ 16-15 win.

Daniels took over on the second possession of the third quarter and led the Bucs to their first score, a 2-yard touchdown pass to fullback Ko Kieft.

He completed a 24-yard pass to receiver Dean Patterson. He ran for a couple of first downs. He led another drive that resulted in a 46-yard field goal by B.T. Potter to cut the Chiefs’ lead to 15-10 with 14 minutes remaining.

An interception by Bucs cornerback Roman Parodie on a pass from Chris Oladokun set up Sean Tucker’s 1-yard TD to give the Bucs their first lead at 16-15 with 10 minutes left.

Daniels went 9-of-14 passing for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Count Mayfield among those impressed by Daniels.

“I think he has all the ability in the world and for a young quarterback trying to figure it out in this system,” Mayfield said during the broadcast on WFLA-TV. “It’s a lot, if he can continue that and keep making plays with his feet and his God-given ability.”

The Chiefs were playing without quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who still is working his way back from a torn ACL.

Before Daniels got into the game, the most exciting moment came on the final play of the first half, when Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker launched a 69-yard moon shot that split the uprights. It was his third field goal of the half and gave Kansas City a 9-0 lead.

Butker’s night got much worse. He missed an extra point try and was wide right on a potential game-winning field goal from 43 yards out with under four minutes remaining.

Considering the injuries at tackle, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson wasn’t going to get Mayfield hit. What followed was a game plan of outside-zone runs and quick screens that did little to move the football but kept the quarterback upright.

The Bucs highlights in the first half belonged to the defense. They got after Chiefs quarterbacks Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier.

Outside linebacker Anthony Nelson led the way with 1 1/2 sacks and a forced fumble in the first half. Mohamed Kamara had a half sack, David Walker had two quarterback hits.

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