CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The Cincinnati Bengals will not tender a contract offer to quarterback Jake Bowning, making him an unrestricted free agent, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Monday.
The Bengals are open to bringing him back, however, according to Fowler.
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
Browning became the Bengals’ starting quarterback twice since joining the team in September 2021.
He broke out as a 4-3 starter, throwing for 11 touchdowns when Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending right wrist ligament tear in November 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) runs the ball agains the Detroit Lions at...
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) runs the ball agains the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium on October 5, 2025. The Bengals lost 24-37.(Cara Owsley/The Enquirer)
His second time around as the starter was less successful when Burrow suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury in September 2025.
The following month, after three consecutive losses and Browning throwing eight interceptions, the Bengals traded to the Cleveland Browns for Joe Flacco.
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