EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A year after being moved to receiver by the Seattle Seahawks, B.J. Daniels is once again trying to make it as an NFL quarterback.
This time it's with the New York Giants, and the odds are against him.
The Giants have traditionally carried two quarterbacks, and both Eli Manning and Ryan Nassib are back. Daniels, signed last month, has been the third quarterback during the team's organized team activities.
It's a chance, though, and that's all he wants as he enters his third season in the NFL.
Drafted by San Francisco in the seventh round in 2013, Daniels didn't appear in a regular-season game until last season. He played in eight contests as a quarterback, wide receiver and on special teams with Seattle and Houston. His most extensive action was with the Texans against Tennessee in December when he completed 1 of 2 passes for 7 yards and ran six times for 6 yards. He also had five punt returns for 25 yards during the season.
Being a quarterback is what he wants. It's what he has done most of his life, gaining some fame at South Florida.
"I am not disappointed at all, I am still young," Daniels said. "I have learned so much from the guys I have been around, Colin Kaepernick in San Fran, Russell (Wilson) in Seattle, and even here now being with Eli. I am learning a lot and mastering my craft."
Last season was an odd year. After winning a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Seahawks' practice squad in 2014 in the game at MetLife Stadium, Seattle switched Daniels to a receiver and kick returner in June 2015.
"It was very interesting to say the least," Daniels said. "I had never played another position, ever. But I had my first real live action last year, a couple of catches, a punt return and things like that. Playing quarterback in the NFL has always been my dream and it's something I have pushed for ever since I have been a kid. By the grace of God I have the ability to be here, so I am making the most of my opportunity."
A former basketball guard at South Florida who has played in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, the 26-year-old Daniels doesn't think of himself as the third arm in camp.
"You always want to be the guy if you are a competitive person," he said. "You like to compete. The number of quarterbacks or whatever the history has been is not something I have thought about or am concerned about. Right now I am taking things day by day, making sure my Tuesday is better than my Monday."
Giants coach Ben McAdoo would not say whether the Giants will use the mobile Daniels at multiple positions. He wants to see more from the Tallahassee, Florida native who also drew interest from the Patriots and Bears during his free agency.
"The minicamp I had here in New York I felt comfortable," Daniels said. "I love the environment, the atmosphere, the coaches. They treated me well and they did what they could do to help me out with the plays, even beyond what I am accustomed to. They made me feel great."
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