The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might just have a rising young standout at quarterback in Jalon Daniels. For the second straight week, the rookie undrafted free agent came in and lifted the Bucs to a come from behind victory in the second half with an inspiring performance.

In Tampa Bay’s 16-15 win on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium, Daniels came in during the third quarter with the Bucs down 9-0. He led three drives that resulted in a touchdown, a field goal, and a touchdown to put Tampa Bay in front for good. He finished 9/14 for 71 yards and a touchdown with no sacks or turnovers, adding 19 rushing yards. He showed good pocket awareness and sidestepped pressure on multiple occasions to extend opportunities.

Jon Gruden and Ronde Barber had very strong praise for Jalon Daniels after Bucs’ win over Chiefs

“The Buccaneers might have hit paydirt with that one,” Gruden said immediately after the postgame interview with Daniels.

“You need a good backup quarterback in this league, as he just told us,” Barber added. “That competition might be as good as over.”

Very strong words from as good and credible a pair of sources as it gets. And that begs the question: where do things stand for Daniels on the final roster? At this point, it really feels like that’s a question that’s already been answered.

Bucs have no choice but to carry Jalon Daniels on 53-man roster after electric preseason showing

Through two preseason games, the Bucs’ second best quarterback on the roster has been Daniels. Spin it if you like based upon level of competition, the experience of Jake Browning, whatever, but Daniels is the quarterback behind Baker Mayfield who right now clearly would give the Bucs the best chance to win.

And as an undrafted free agent at the game’s most valuable and important position, that’s a tough thing to let get away. Which is exactly what would happen if the Bucs elect not to keep him on their 53-man roster when cutdowns take place in a week. Daniels undoubtedly would get claimed if the Bucs waive him and try to sneak him onto the practice squad. He becomes someone else’s potential future signal caller.

As such, if the Bucs want an experienced backup in Browning, it can’t come at the expense of keeping Daniels and working to develop his significant potential. The Bucs would have to carry three quarterbacks on the 53.

We’ll find out in the next seven days if Jason Licht and Todd Bowles feel the same way.