The Cincinnati Bengals are not tendering restricted free agent quarterback Jake Browning, who started 10 games over three seasons in relief of Joe Burrow, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Browning, 29, will become a free agent, but the Bengals are open to bringing him back, per the source.
Browning served as the Bengals' backup quarterback for the bulk of the past three seasons. His most notable stretch came in 2023, when he stepped in for an injured Burrow and helped Cincinnati win four of its final seven games.
The team called upon Browning again in 2025, when Burrow suffered a turf toe injury. In that stint, Browning struggled. Following a win in Week 2, Browning sputtered the following three weeks. He completed 64.8% of his passes for 771 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The Bengals made a switch and acquired Joe Flacco via a trade with the Cleveland Browns ahead of Week 6. Browning finished the season as the team's No. 3 quarterback.
Browning spent five total seasons with the Bengals. He started out on the practice squad but was on the 53-player roster the past three seasons.
ESPN's Ben Baby contributed to this report.
