Bucs cut Jake Browning, elevating UDFA Jalon Daniels to QB2 behind Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear prepared for an undrafted free agent to back up quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The Bucs have released backup Jake Browning, who was signed early in free agency this offseason to be Mayfield's backup. That means undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels, who has impressed all summer, is currently the QB2 behind Mayfield.

The 6-foot, 208-pound Daniels, who played six years at Kansas, went 27-of-44 passing for 239 yards and a TD, and rushed 14 times for 37 yards and one more score in three preseason games this summer. He was especially sharp in the first two exhibitions, helping spark second-half comebacks against the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.

The dual-threat Daniels might have initially been viewed as a longer-term project, coming off a college career where his accuracy and consistency drew concern from scouts. But he started impressing the Bucs' coaches as early as OTAs and minicamps, earning praise for his off-schedule playmaking and quick recognition skills, which earned him QB2 reps in camp.

Even with a shakier effort in the third preseason game, losing a fumble and completing 8 of 15 passes for 57 yards, the Bucs have been impressed with the rookie.

The Bucs still could look to add a veteran quarterback, with several expected to be released on cutdown day . But for now, Daniels is the next man up. Tampa Bay opens the season at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.

Daniels started 45 games in college for the Jayhawks, throwing for 9,282 yards, 67 TDs and 31 interceptions on 61.5% completions. He also ran for 1,445 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Browning, 30, spent the previous five seasons in Cincinnati as Joe Burrow's backup, starting 10 career games. The Bucs gave him $400,000 in guaranteed money at signing. If he clears waivers, he could return to the practice squad and be Tampa's third QB on gamedays.

In his three seasons in Tampa, Mayfield has never missed a game. He's currently in the final year of his contract and is at odds with the Bucs over a future extension, saying he has ended negotiations with the team until after the season.