Saints host Kansas QB Jalon Daniels for private workout

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Jalon Daniels #6 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates against the Utah Utes in the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the New Orleans Saints have held a private workout with Kansas QB Jalon Daniels as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. This could mark the fourth straight year the Saints select a signal-caller, potentially adding a backup to Tyler Shough if they decide to move on from Spencer Rattler this offseason via trade.

Daniels met with the New England Patriots last Friday and is scheduled to meet with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. He also met with the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs earlier this spring.

The 23-year-old Lawndale, CA native spent all six seasons of his college career with the Jayhawks, earning two additional years of eligibility due to the COVID-19 season and a medical redshirt after dealing with injuries.

Daniels completed 734 of his 1,193 pass attempts (61.5%) for 9,252 yards and 67 touchdowns, with 31 interceptions across his six-year career. He also added 1,451 rushing yards on 421 attempts and 23 rushing touchdowns.

This past season, Daniels completed 198 of 319 passes for a career-high 2,531 yards and 22 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. He also added 404 rushing yards on 117 attempts and four scores.

In 2025, Daniels earned a 77.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 101st among 302 qualifying quarterbacks. His 72.0 passing grade ranked 118th, while he recorded 18 big-time throws and 15 turnover-worthy plays. He posted an average depth of target of 10.1 yards and an average time to throw of 2.88 seconds.

Daniels participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured in at 6-foot-1, 219 pounds with 30 3/8-inch arms and 9 5/8-inch hands. He ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and posted a 1.63-second 10-yard split.

Daniels has yet to consistently build on the early flashes he showed as a passer. While he has the arm talent to push the ball downfield, his accuracy, timing and pocket awareness remain inconsistent. His mobility is a clear strength, allowing him to extend plays and contribute as a runner. At the next level, inconsistent mechanics and decision-making limit his effectiveness in a structured passing game.

Perhaps he could benefit from learning under the quarterback-focused Saints offensive coaching staff and developing on the scout team. Should New Orleans take a shot on Daniels on Day 3 of the draft?