Bengals Will Not Tender QB Jake Browning

Cincinnati looking for new backup behind Joe Burrow after Browning's poor 2025 season

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals will not tender quarterback Jake Browning as a restricted free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent this week. Browning, 29, started three games for the Bengals in 2025 with poor results, leading the team to trade for veteran Joe Flacco as the backup to starter Joe Burrow.

Why it matters

The Bengals' decision not to tender Browning means they will need to find a new backup quarterback for the 2026 season, with Flacco also set to become an unrestricted free agent. This move highlights the team's need to solidify the QB depth chart behind Burrow, who is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign.

The details

Browning completed 64.8% of his passes in five games last season for 771 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. He previously started seven games for the Bengals in 2023, with the team going 4-3 in those starts as he completed 70.4% of his throws for 1,936 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven picks.

  • The Bengals will head into the new league year without a clear backup behind Joe Burrow.
  • Jake Browning is set to become an unrestricted free agent this week.

The players

Jake Browning

A 29-year-old quarterback who started three games for the Bengals in 2025 with poor results.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback, coming off an impressive 2025 campaign.

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who the Bengals traded for in 2025 to serve as the backup to Burrow.

Jeremy Fowler

An ESPN reporter who broke the news that the Bengals will not tender Browning as a restricted free agent.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals will head into the new league year without a clear backup behind Joe Burrow.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bengals will need to find a new backup quarterback for the 2026 season, with both Jake Browning and Joe Flacco set to become unrestricted free agents.

The takeaway

The Bengals' decision not to tender Browning highlights the team's need to solidify the QB depth chart behind Burrow, who is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign. The team will have to explore options in free agency or the draft to find a reliable backup for the 2026 season.