Bengals backup QB Jake Browning will hit the free agent market

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) walks for the locker room after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The Bengals won, 33-31. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to tender quarterback Jake Browning. The Bengals will allow Jake Browning to test the free agent market.

Fowler mentioned that the Bengals are open to potentially bringing Jake Browning back. I imagine that would only be in a scenario that neither side ends up getting a deal they want elsewhere in free agency. The Bengals could look to bring back Joe Flacco, who is also a free agent. They could look for another veteran option during free agency, or they could potentially wait to see if they can add to the room on day three of the 2026 NFL Draft this year.

Browning had a 64.8% completion percentage in relief of Joe Burrow during the 2025 season. He was replaced by Flacco after throwing 6 touchdowns to 8 interceptions during the four games he played in after the injury to Burrow.

What route do you see the Bengals going for their backup quarterback this season?

The Bengals are not tendering RFA quarterback Jake Browning, who started 10 games over three seasons for Cincinnati in relief of Joe Burrow. He will be a free agent. Cincinnati is open to bringing him back.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026

Continue reading...