The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing back quarterback Jake Browning for next season.
On Wednesday, they announced that they have tendered Browning as an exclusive rights free agent. This means that he won’t be able to talk to other teams.
Browning will get to be Joe Burrow’s backup next season after doing an admirable job filling in for Burrow during the second half of the 2023 season.
In nine games, including seven starts, Browning racked up 1,936 yards through the air, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He helped the Bengals finish above .500 (9-8) even though they looked destined to finish with a losing record.
He’ll be ready if he gets called upon next season but the Bengals will be hoping that’s not the case since they want their franchise quarterback to be healthy.
Before joining the Bengals, Browning spent time with the Minnesota Vikings after they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He was then cut in 2021 just before the season.
Before he got his chance in the NFL, he played his college football at Washington and compiled 12,296 yards through the air, 94 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions.