Quarterback Jake Browning is officially heading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His fiancée Stephanie Niles confirmed the news in a viral TikTok video. The couple has been together since 2018 and got engaged in 2024.
Browning spent 5 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He started 9 games in 2023 when Joe Burrow got hurt. He led the NFL with a 70.4% completion rate that year. He threw for 1,936 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Jake Browning
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) throws under pressure from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) in the third quarter of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.
The 29-year-old player signed a 1 year deal for the 2026 season. He will serve as the backup for Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers wanted a veteran presence behind their starter.
Niles celebrated the move while dancing in her video. Shetold her 16,000 followers about the upcoming trip to Florida. The couple must fly to Tampa for a physical and to sign paperwork.
“Guys, I owe you an update: We’re going to Tampa Bay. Jake is signing with the Bucs!” Stephaniesaid.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: New Bucs QB Jake Browning’s fiancée Stephanie Niles has gone viral after she reacted to her partner signing with Tampa Bay.
Niles was a Bengals fan favorite due to the creative outfits she wore throughout the season.
The Bucs got a two-for-one deal 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/iobBdq0hux
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 12, 2026
She asked fans for help learning about her new home. She wanted to find the best gyms and restaurants in the area. She also asked for the “tea” on the local vibes.
Browning earned a base salary of $915,000 in 2024. His new contract provides a fresh start after a tough 2025 season. He threw 8 interceptions in limited play last year.
The Buccaneers finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record. They won the NFC South title. Adding Browning gives the team a proven winner if Mayfield gets injured.
Niles is also a businesswoman. She co-founded the brand 7th Street Swim. Sheoften goes viral for her game day outfits. Fans expect her to bring high fashion to Tampa.
Browning was an undrafted free agent in 2019. He spent time on the Vikings’ practice squad. He proved he could play at a high level with the Bengals.
The move to Florida is a big change for the couple. They lived in Ohio for several years. Now they will enjoy the warm weather and the Gulf Coast.
Jake Browning’s performance in 2025 season
Jake Browning played 5 games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025. He started 3 of those games. He stepped in after Joe Burrow got hurt early in the season. Browning threw for 771 yards. He had 6 passing touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
His best game was a 31- 27 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He scored 3 touchdowns in that game. He also ran for 39 yards and 1 touchdown during the season. However, his completion rate dropped to 64.8 percent. He lost his next 3 starts against the Vikings, Broncos, and Lions.
The Bengals eventually replaced him with Joe Flacco. On March 12, 2026, Browning signed a 1-year-contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will now compete to be the backup for Baker Mayfield.