The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the New York Jets tonight in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason, but quarterback Baker Mayfield will not play in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener.
The Buccaneers are taking a cautious approach with their established starting quarterback after Mayfield received competitive work during Tampa Bay’s joint practices with the Jets earlier this week.
With Mayfield sitting and backup quarterback Jake Browning dealing with an injury, Tampa Bay’s preseason opener should provide an extended opportunity for Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak.
Is Baker Mayfield Playing Today vs. Jets?
No, Baker Mayfield is not playing against the New York Jets tonight.
Tampa Bay is expected to keep its franchise quarterback on the sideline for the first preseason game rather than expose him to unnecessary contact.
Mayfield participated in the Buccaneers’ joint practices against the Jets this week, giving him valuable competitive repetitions against an opposing defense without needing to play in Friday night’s exhibition game.
His absence is a planned preseason decision and does not change his position as Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback entering the 2026 NFL season.
Who Is the Buccaneers Starting Quarterback vs. Jets?
The Buccaneers originally expected Jake Browning to start at quarterback against the Jets with Mayfield sitting.
However, Browning suffered an injury during Tampa Bay’s joint practices with New York, creating uncertainty surrounding his availability for the preseason opener.
If Browning is unable to play, the Buccaneers are expected to rely heavily on Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak at quarterback.
That could give both players considerably more preseason snaps than originally anticipated.
Buccaneers Quarterback Depth Chart vs. Jets
Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation entering Friday night’s preseason game includes:
- Baker Mayfield — QB1; not playing
- Jake Browning — Backup; dealing with an injury
- Jalon Daniels — Expected to receive significant preseason snaps
- Connor Bazelak — Expected to receive significant preseason snaps
The biggest question entering kickoff is whether Browning will be available.
If he remains sidelined, Daniels and Bazelak should have an extended opportunity to operate Tampa Bay’s offense.
Why Is Baker Mayfield Not Playing?
Mayfield’s absence is primarily about preseason workload management.
Unlike quarterbacks competing for starting jobs or roster positions, Mayfield enters the 2026 season firmly established as Tampa Bay’s QB1.
That gives the Buccaneers little reason to risk their starting quarterback during the opening preseason game.
The joint practices against the Jets also allowed Mayfield to receive meaningful repetitions against another NFL defense in a more controlled environment.
Tampa Bay can now use the preseason game to evaluate younger players and determine the depth behind Mayfield.
Jalon Daniels Could Get an Extended Opportunity
One of the biggest players to watch against New York will be Jalon Daniels.
With Mayfield sitting and Browning dealing with an injury, Daniels could receive a significant number of quarterback snaps.
The preseason provides an important opportunity for Daniels to demonstrate his ability to operate an NFL offense under game conditions.
Tampa Bay will likely be evaluating his decision-making, accuracy, command of the offense and ability to respond to pressure.
Rather than simply looking at passing statistics, the Buccaneers can evaluate how Daniels handles different situations throughout the game.
Connor Bazelak Could Also See Significant Playing Time
Connor Bazelak is another quarterback who could benefit from Tampa Bay’s situation.
Bazelak should receive preseason opportunities against the Jets and could potentially handle a substantial portion of the game if Browning is unavailable.
Every preseason possession will be important for players competing for roster positions.
Bazelak will have an opportunity to show Tampa Bay’s coaching staff that he can efficiently operate the offense while protecting the football and creating scoring opportunities.
Is Baker Mayfield Still the Buccaneers Starting QB?
Yes. Baker Mayfield remains the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback.
His absence against the Jets should not be interpreted as a quarterback competition.
Mayfield is Tampa Bay’s established QB1 entering the regular season, and the Buccaneers’ preseason quarterback evaluation is primarily focused on determining their depth behind him.
The bigger storyline during the preseason could be who ultimately establishes himself as Tampa Bay’s most reliable backup quarterback.
Buccaneers vs. Jets Game Time
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets meet Friday night in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason.
Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Game: 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1
The matchup gives both teams another opportunity to evaluate their rosters before the regular season begins.
Is Baker Mayfield Starting Tonight?
No, Baker Mayfield will not start or play for the Buccaneers against the Jets tonight.
Tampa Bay is resting its starting quarterback after Mayfield participated in joint practices against New York earlier this week.
Jake Browning was originally positioned to start in Mayfield’s place, but his injury has created uncertainty at quarterback.
That should shift much of the attention toward Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak, who could receive significant playing time in Tampa Bay’s 2026 preseason opener.
For Buccaneers fans, Mayfield’s absence is not a reason for concern. The veteran remains Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback, while Friday night’s game will primarily serve as an opportunity to evaluate the players competing behind him.