Bengals Cut Ties with Backup QB Jake Browning

Cincinnati opts not to tender contract offer, making Browning an unrestricted free agent.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to tender a contract offer to backup quarterback Jake Browning, making him an unrestricted free agent. Browning had served as Joe Burrow's backup for the past three seasons, starting 10 games and compiling a 4-6 record. The Bengals are now left without an obvious backup QB, but may look to re-sign veteran Joe Flacco, who served in that role in 2025.

Why it matters

With Burrow's injury history, the Bengals need a reliable backup quarterback. Browning had been in that role, but the team has decided to move in a different direction, leaving them without an obvious QB2 on the roster ahead of free agency.

The details

Browning, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Washington, had completed 68.5% of his passes for 2,707 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions over the past three seasons with the Bengals. He went 4-3 as a starter in 2023 but just 0-3 in 2025, when the team eventually brought in Joe Flacco to be the backup.

  • Browning was a restricted free agent, but the Bengals chose not to tender him a contract on March 9, 2026.
  • Browning started 10 games for the Bengals over the past three seasons, from 2023 to 2025.

The players

Jake Browning

A former undrafted free agent out of the University of Washington, Browning served as the backup quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals for the past three seasons.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has dealt with injury issues during his NFL career.

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who served as the backup to Burrow in 2025 and is now a free agent, potentially leaving the door open for a return to Cincinnati.

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What they’re saying

“Cincinnati is open to bringing him back.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bengals will need to decide if they want to re-sign veteran Joe Flacco to be the backup quarterback behind Joe Burrow, or if they will look to address the position through free agency or the draft.

The takeaway

This move by the Bengals highlights the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback, especially for a team with a starting QB like Burrow who has dealt with injuries. Cincinnati's decision to part ways with Browning suggests they are not fully confident in him as the long-term QB2, and they will need to find a suitable replacement ahead of the 2026 season.