The Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to extend a tender offer to quarterback Jake Browning before the free agency period begins, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. This move means Browning will become an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming days, opening the door for him to sign with any team.
Overview of Browning’s Professional Journey
Jake Browning, 29, began his NFL career in 2019 when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Washington. Although he was waived after the preseason, Browning remained with the Vikings on their practice squad. He signed futures contracts with Minnesota for both the 2020 and 2021 seasons but was waived after training camp each year, spending those seasons mainly on the practice squad.
Transition to the Bengals and Recent Performance
After being released by Minnesota following the 2022 preseason, Browning joined the Cincinnati Bengals. Like his time with the Vikings, he was initially waived during roster cuts and then placed on the Bengals’ practice squad. Later in the 2022 season, he was promoted to the active roster. In 2023, after starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered an injury, Browning took over as the starter, leading to a two-year exclusive rights free agent deal with Cincinnati. He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent in 2026.
During the 2025 season, Browning appeared in five games, starting three of them. He completed 64.8 percent of his passes, throwing for 771 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Implications of Browning’s Release for the Bengals and the QB Market
With the Bengals choosing not to tender Browning, he enters free agency with experience stepping in as a starter during critical periods. This development adds depth to the quarterback pool available for NFL teams as they prepare for the next season. For Cincinnati, this decision may reflect a shift in their approach to quarterback options behind Burrow.
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
