Free agent quarterback Jake Browning plans to sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a source.
The 29-year-old spent the past five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and will now move from backing up Joe Burrow to serving as the backup to Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay.
Browning’s most notable run came during the 2023 season when he stepped in after Burrow was injured and helped Cincinnati win four of its final seven games.
He was called on again in 2025 when Burrow dealt with a turf toe injury. Browning started strong with a Week 2 win but struggled over the next three games, completing 64.8% of his passes for 771 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Ahead of Week 6, the Bengals acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, pushing Browning down the depth chart. He finished the season as Cincinnati’s No. 3 quarterback.
Browning initially joined the Bengals on their practice squad but spent the last three seasons on the active 53-man roster before entering free agency.
