After securing a $1.3 million deal, Tampa Bay's new backup quarterback claims the top spot among undrafted passers, bringing vital experience and a Baker Mayfield-style skillset.
Pro Football Focus announced its All-Undrafted Team for the 2026 season last Wednesday, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Jake Browning earned a nod as the leader in his position.
PFF NFL Writer Daire Carragher said Browning leads a thin quarterback group. He registered a 66.7 PFF passing grade, which tops the group of undrafted quarterbacks who dropped back at least 100 times in the past three seasons.
Browning is a new addition to the Tampa Bay quarterback room. He signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract, featuring $400,000 guaranteed on March 13.
The 30-year-old is a solid fit in the Buccaneers' offense under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Browning excels at playing under center, which Robinson should feature in the offensive scheme.
He shared high praise for Baker Mayfield during his press conference. The 6-foot-2 quarterback highlighted that the many receivers stepping up during an injury-plagued season started with Mayfield. Browning believes his skill set is similar to Mayfield's, which played a significant role in his signing with Tampa Bay.
"The offense should be catered to the starter, which is obviously Baker, and I think my skill set is similar to that," Browning told reporters on March 13. "So, I think anytime you're in a backup situation, you're kind of looking for that."
Browning played for the Cincinnati Bengals for three seasons before moving to Florida. He signed with the organization in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, then made his mark in 2023.
Star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending torn ligament in his right wrist, which required surgery. Browning stepped in for the injured star and led Cincinnati to a 4-3 record.
He threw for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions across nine games (seven starts). The Bengals' backup also led the NFL in completion percentage at 70.3%.
Browning only played three games in 2024 before being thrust into action one more time last season. Burrow suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2, and Browning had to lead Cincinnati for a second time.
However, it wasn't as glamorous as 2023. Browning went 0-3 in his starts and threw eight interceptions to six touchdowns. His performance prompted the team to trade for Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati let Browning find another home elsewhere after Flacco arrived. Now, he's in Tampa Bay backing up Mayfield in a system he could thrive in if the opportunity arises.
The Buccaneers have a talented backup quarterback, a leader amongst his undrafted peers, and if they need his services throughout the season, Browning could step up.
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