Packers Prepare to Face ‘Unknown’ QB vs. Buccaneers

The Green Bay Packers head into an important matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, looking to bounce back, especially on defense. They allowed 35 points to the Atlanta Falcons in an embarrassing 21-point loss at Lambeau Field in Week 3.

If the unit hopes to improve, they’ll have to overcome a unique challenge in Week 4. With Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield out for Sunday with a thumb injury, the Packers must instead prepare to face Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie starting his first NFL game.

When asked about Daniels on Tuesday, Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon admitted being unfamiliar with the former Kansas standout, adding that the team was doing its due diligence.

“Combing through [film] right now. Obviously, kind of a little bit of an unknown,” Gannon said via the Packers. “But he played in the preseason; looked at some college tape.

Daniels replaced Mayfield late in the Buccaneers’ 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, finishing 0-of-3 with an interception and one rush for nine yards. Those don’t sound like impressive numbers, but they came on the final drive of the game with under 33 seconds to go and Tampa Bay trailing by seven.

While Daniels has only played 10 career NFL snaps, he may be the most mobile quarterback the Packers have faced thus far. Gannon said it will take a group effort to keep him under wraps.

“We just gotta do a good job of detailing how we’re gonna rush this guy, because he’s definitely mobile and when he gets out he can generate explosives,” Gannon said. “No different than playing Kyler [Murray] or Carson [Wentz] — that’s going to be a challenge defending the pass versus rushing him the correct way.”

Who is Jalon Daniels?

Daniels played six years at Kansas, appearing in 49 games from 2020 to 2025. There, he was a versatile threat, showcasing a big arm and rushing ability.

At Kansas, Daniels passed for 9,282 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions, with a 61.5 completion percentage. Meanwhile, he averaged 3.4 yards per carry, rushing for 1,445 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground.

Daniels went undrafted before signing with the Buccaneers in April. He went on to beat out experienced backup Jake Browning for the No. 2 spot behind Mayfield.