Jake Browning

Jake Browning

Browning with the Washington Huskies in 2019
No. 6 – Cincinnati Bengals
Position	Quarterback
Roster status	Active
Personal information
Born	(1996-04-11) April 11, 1996 (age 29) Folsom, California, U.S.
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school	Folsom
College	Washington (2015–2018)
NFL draft	2019: undrafted
Career history
Minnesota Vikings (2019–2021)* Cincinnati Bengals (2021–present)
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Awards and highlights
NFL completion percentage leader (2023) Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2016) First-team All-Pac-12 (2016)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Passing attempts 275 Passing completions 192 Completion percentage 70.4% TD–INT 14–10 Passing yards 2,177 Passer rating 95.07 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jacob Christopher Browning (born April 11, 1996) is an American professional football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Early life

Browning attended Folsom High School in Folsom, California. At Folsom, he had a 4.0 grade point average and set national and state high school records. In 46 games, Browning completed 1,191 of 1,708 attempts for 16,775 yards and 229 touchdowns, all California records. The 229 touchdowns also broke the national record held by Maty Mauk. ^[1] As a senior, Browning threw for a national-record 91 touchdown passes. He also passed for a California record of 5,790 yards, which broke his record from his junior year. Browning was the Gatorade Football Player of the Year during his junior and senior years. ^{[2] [3]}

Browning was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked as the third-best pro-style recruit in his class. ^[4] He committed to the University of Washington to play college football. ^[5] Browning studied at the university's Foster School of Business, as a direct admit into their Business Administration program his freshman year.

High school statistics

Season	Team	Games		Passing
		GP	Record	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	TD	Int	Rtg
2012	Folsom	15	14–1	391	605	64.6	5,248	63	16	116.0
2013	Folsom	15	14–1	440	579	76.0	5,737	75	17	134.0
2014	Folsom	16	16–0	360	524	68.7	5,790	91	7	139.4
Career		46	44–2	1,191	1,708	69.7	16,775	229	40	130.9

College career

Freshman

In his first year at Washington, Browning became the second ever (in any game) true freshman to start at the quarterback position at UW (the other was Marques Tuiasosopo ^[6] against Oregon in 1997) ^[7] and the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Huskies. In his first career start, Browning completed 20-of-34 passes for 150 yards and an interception. ^{[8] [9]}

Sophomore

As a sophomore, Browning performed on a much higher level, guiding UW to a 12–2 record, and the Huskies' first conference championship since 2000. ^[10] He set a new record for touchdowns per attempt at 12.2%. On November 29, Browning was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-Pac-12. He came in sixth in the 2016 Heisman Trophy voting, narrowly missing an invitation to attend the award ceremony in New York City. ^[11] Browning's sixth-place finish is the third-best Heisman voting finish in school history, behind Michael Penix Jr. who finished second and Steve Emtman who finished fourth.

Browning underwent shoulder surgery on his throwing arm two weeks after facing Alabama in the College Football Playoff. His injury was kept secret for nearly two months, and some commentators have speculated as to a connection between the injury and Browning's reduced performance in the later portion of the season. ^[12]

Junior

Browning started all 13 games of the 2017 season at quarterback, was named to the Academic All-Pac-12 second-team, was an honorable mention All-Pac-12, and broke the UW career touchdown passes record this year. Browning completed 230 of his attempted 336 throws, which was his highest throwing percentage. He threw for 2,719 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. ^[13]

Senior

On September 29, 2018, Browning became the school's all-time passing leader, against BYU. ^[14] With the Pac-12 North Division title on the line, he led Washington against in-state rival and seventh-ranked Washington State on the road in the 111th Apple Cup. The Huskies won their second Pac-12 title in three years by defeating Utah in the 2018 Pac-12 Football Championship Game. The team was invited to the Rose Bowl, where they were defeated by Ohio State to end the year at 10–4, 7–2 in conference play. Browning finished the season with 3,192 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

College statistics

Season	Team	Games			Passing								Rushing
		GP	GS	Record	Comp	Att	Pct	Yards	Avg	TD	Int	Rate	Att	Yards	Avg	TD
2015	Washington	12	12	7–5	233	369	63.1	2,955	8.0	16	10	139.7	65	35	0.5	1
2016	Washington	14	14	12–2	243	391	62.1	3,430	8.8	43	9	167.5	65	45	0.7	4
2017	Washington	13	13	10–3	230	336	68.5	2,719	8.1	19	5	152.1	56	25	0.4	7
2018	Washington	14	14	10–4	252	388	64.9	3,192	8.2	16	10	142.5	85	139	1.6	4
Career		53	53	39–14	958	1,484	64.6	12,296	8.3	94	34	150.5	271	244	0.9	16

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump
6 ft 1+7⁄8 in (1.88 m)	211 lb (96 kg)	32+1⁄2 in (0.83 m)	9 in (0.23 m)	4.74 s	1.60 s	2.76 s	4.44 s	7.19 s	29 in (0.74 m)	9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
All values from NFL Combine [15] [16] [17]

Minnesota Vikings

2019

On April 29, 2019, Browning signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. ^[18] He was waived on August 31, ^[19] but was signed to the practice squad the next day. ^[20] After the Vikings lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round, Browning signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 12, 2020. ^[21]

2020

Browning was waived by the Vikings during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, ^[22] but was re-signed to the Vikings practice squad the next day. ^[23] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 4, 2021. ^[24]

2021

On August 31, 2021, Browning was waived by the Vikings during final roster cuts. ^[25]

Cincinnati Bengals

2021

On September 7, 2021, Browning was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. ^[26] After the team lost Super Bowl LVI to the Los Angeles Rams, he signed a reserve/future contract on February 15, 2022. ^[27]

2022

Browning competed for the backup quarterback job during the preseason, but was beat out by Brandon Allen. ^[28] Browning was waived on August 30, 2022, ^[29] but was signed to the practice squad the next day. ^[30]

2023

After the Bengals lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, Browning signed a reserve/future contract on January 31, 2023. ^[31] He competed with Trevor Siemian to be the Bengals' backup quarterback throughout training camp and eventually won the job after the third preseason game. ^[32]

During the season-opening 24–3 road loss to the Cleveland Browns, Browning had his first regular-season snap in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, throwing an incomplete pass. ^[33] During Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football , Browning came in to relieve an injured Joe Burrow, throwing for 68 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 40 yards in the 34–20 road loss. ^[34] The next day, it was revealed that Burrow suffered a season-ending injury to his throwing wrist, elevating Browning to the starting role. ^[35]

During Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Browning made his first career start and finished the 16–10 loss completing 19-of-26 passes for 227 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. ^[36] In the next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football , Browning completed 32-of-37 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown while also rushing twice for 22 yards and a touchdown during the 34–31 overtime road victory. ^[37] His 86.5 percent completion rate is the highest all-time in a quarterback's first or second career start. ^[38] Browning was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. ^[39] The following week against the Indianapolis Colts, Browning had 275 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception to go along with seven rushing yards and a touchdown during the 34–14 victory. ^[40]

During Week 15 against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, Browning led a 14-point comeback that included two fourth quarter touchdown passes to Tee Higgins. ^[41] Browning finished the 27–24 overtime victory throwing for 324 yards, the two aforementioned touchdowns, and an interception. ^[42] With this win, Browning became the first Bengals quarterback since Boomer Esiason to win three of his first four starts. ^[43] In the next game against the Steelers, Browning struggled as he threw for 335 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions during the 34–11 road loss. ^[44] The following week against the Chiefs, Browning had 197 passing yards and a touchdown to go along with 32 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 25–17 road loss. ^[45] During the regular-season finale against the Browns, he completed 18-of-24 passes for 156 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the 31–14 victory. ^[46]

Browning finished the 2023 season with 1,936 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions to go along with 27 carries for 127 yards and three touchdowns in nine games and seven starts. ^[47]

2024

Browning re-signed with the Bengals on a two-year contract on April 23, 2024. ^[48] He was once again named the backup quarterback to start the season. ^[49]

2025

During a Week 2 31–27 comeback victory over the Jaguars, starting quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in the second quarter. Browning played the rest of the game and completed 21-of-32 passes for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions while also rushing for the game-winning touchdown. ^[50] Following the victory, Browning was announced as the Bengals' starting quarterback in Burrow's absence, and head coach Zac Taylor said that the team had full confidence in him. ^[51]

Browning made his first start of the season in Week 3 against his former team, the Vikings, and finished the 48–10 road loss with 140 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. ^[52]

After back-to-back blowout losses to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football and the Detroit Lions throwing only 4 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, the Bengals traded a 2026 5th round pick to the divison rivals Cleveland Browns for Joe Flacco and a 2026 6th round pick. ^[53] Flacco was announced as the new starting quarterback for the Bengals the next day, and Jake Browning returned to a backup quarterback position. ^[54]

NFL career statistics

Legend
	Led the league
Bold	Career high

Year	Team	Games			Passing									Rushing					Sacks		Fumbles
		GP	GS	Record	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/A	Lng	TD	Int	Rtg	Att	Yds	Y/A	Lng	TD	Sck	SckY	Fum	Lost
2019	MIN	0	0	—	DNP
2020	MIN	0	0	—
2021	CIN	0	0	—
2022	CIN	0	0	—
2023	CIN	9	7	4−3	171	243	70.4	1,936	8.0	80	12	7	98.4	27	127	4.7	21	3	24	169	3	0
2024	CIN	3	0	—	0	0	0.0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	2	-2	-1.0	-1	0	0	0	0	0
2025	CIN	2	1	0−1	40	59	67.8	381	6.5	42	3	5	67.1	2	4	2.0	3	1	4	27	0	0
Career		14	8	4−4	211	302	69.8	2,317	7.9	80	15	12	92.3	31	129	4.2	21	4	28	196	3	0

See also

• Washington Huskies football statistical leaders

References

1. Smith, Cam (December 7, 2014). "Folsom quarterback Jake Browning sets national career touchdowns record". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
2. Sondheimer, Eric (December 4, 2014). "Football: QB Jake Browning of Folsom is Gatorade state player of the year". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
3. "30 Years of Honoring The Future: Reigning Gatorade Calif. Football POY Jake Browning continues to amaze". USA TODAY High School Sports. December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
4. "Jake Browning, 2015 Pro Style Quarterback, Washington". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
5. Leigh, Brian (March 31, 2014). "Jake Browning Commits to Washington: Huskies Land 4-Star QB". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
6. "Jake Browning Bio". GoHuskies.com. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
7. Jude, Adam (September 4, 2015). "Jake Browning to start at quarterback for UW vs. Boise State". Seattle Times. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
8. Jude, Adam (September 7, 2015). "Jake Browning and UW offense have plenty of room for growth". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
9. Davidson, Joe (September 5, 2015). "Cool-hand Jake: Browning impresses in debut as Washington Huskies QB". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
10. Cosgriff, Jen (December 2, 2016). "2016 Pac-12 Football Championship Game: Washington clinches conference title, makes national statement". Pac-12. Archived from the original on December 3, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
11. Stites, Adam; Kirshner, Alex (December 10, 2016). "Full Heisman Trophy 2016 voting results: Lamar Jackson beats Deshaun Watson in a two-man race". SB Nation. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
12. Jude, Adam (January 17, 2017). "UW star quarterback Jake Browning has surgery on throwing shoulder". Seattle Times. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
13. "Jake Browning". University of Washington Athletics. February 11, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
14. Jude, Adam (September 29, 2018). "Jake Browning becomes Huskies' all-time passing leader, breaking Cody Pickett's record". The Seattle Times.
15. "Jake Browning Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
16. "Washington quarterback Jake Browning runs an official 4.74 40-yard dash at 2019 combine". NFL.com. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
17. "2019 NFL Draft Scout Jake Browning College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
18. Peters, Craig (April 29, 2019). "Vikings Agree to Terms with Undrafted Free Agents". Vikings.com.
19. "Vikings Announce Roster Moves, Set Initial 53-Man Roster". Vikings.com. August 31, 2019.
20. "Vikings Fill Initial 2019 Practice Squad". Vikings.com. September 1, 2019.
21. "Vikings Announce Seven Reserve/Future Free Agent Signings". Vikings.com. January 12, 2020.
22. Peters, Craig; Smith, Eric (September 5, 2020). "Vikings Announce Roster Moves, Set Initial 53-Man Roster". Minnesota Vikings. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
23. "Vikings Claim LB Ryan Connelly, Add 13 Players To Practice Squad". Vikings.com. September 6, 2020.
24. "Vikings Sign 9 Players to Reserve/Future Deals". Vikings.com. January 4, 2021.
25. "Vikings Announce Roster Moves to Get to Initial 53". Vikings.com. August 31, 2021.
26. "Bengals Sign Jake Browning To The Practice Squad". Bengals.com. September 7, 2021. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
27. "Bengals Sign Nine Practice Squad Players to Offseason Roster". Bengals.com. February 15, 2022. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
28. Acree, John (August 29, 2022). "Brandon Allen reminds everyone he can be a dependable backup". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
29. "Roster Moves: Bengals Reduce Roster To 53 Players". Bengals.com. August 30, 2022.
30. "Bengals Roster Moves: Practice Squad Announced". Bengals.com. August 31, 2022.
31. "Bengals Roster Moves: Reserve/Future Contracts". Bengals.com. January 31, 2023.
32. "Bengals' Jake Browning: Gets No. 2 QB job". CBSSports.com. August 29, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
33. Raley, Dan (September 11, 2023). "It Took 5 Seasons, But Browning Makes NFL Debut". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
34. "Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens - November 16th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
35. Baby, Ben (November 17, 2023). "Bengals QB Joe Burrow out for season, likely needs surgery". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
36. "Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - November 26th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
37. "Jake Browning heroics help Bengals beat Jags as Lawrence limps off". The Guardian. Associated Press. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
38. Pfahler, Laurel. "Browning sets record in Bengals' overtime win over Jaguars". daytondailynews.com. Dayton Daily News. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
39. "Bengals QB Jake Browning, 49ers WR Deebo Samuel highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
40. Hobson, Geoff (December 10, 2023). "Jake-mania Rules As Bengals Surge Into AFC Playoff Picture With Win Over Colts". Bengals.com. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
41. Kerr, Jeff (December 16, 2023). "Bengals vs. Vikings score, takeaways: Jake Browning leads frantic comeback as Cincinnati wins in overtime". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
42. "Jake Browning shines again for Bengals, rallying them to 27-24 overtime win over Vikings". ESPN. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
43. Kerr, Jeff (December 17, 2023). "Jake Browning on Bengals comeback win over Vikings: 'They never should have cut me'". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
44. "Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 23rd, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
45. "Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs - December 31st, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
46. "Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals - January 7th, 2024". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
47. "Jake Browning 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
48. "Bengals Roster Moves: Bengals Re-Sign Jake Browning, Sign Logan Woodside". Bengals.com. April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
49. Garrison, Drew (September 3, 2024). "Bengals release Week 1 depth chart". Cincy Jungle. SB Nation. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
50. "Burrow hurt but Browning rallies Bengals to win". ESPN.com. September 14, 2025. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
51. "Why Bengals have so much confidence in Browning and why decision to keep him was prudent". Local 12. September 16, 2025.
52. "Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings - September 21st, 2025". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
53. "Bengals trade for Browns QB Joe Flacco amidst offensive woes". WLWT. October 7, 2025.
54. "Zac Taylor names Joe Flacco starter quarterback for Week 6 matchup against Packers". WLWT. October 8, 2025.

External links

• Career statistics from NFL.com  ·  ESPN  ·  Yahoo Sports
• Cincinnati Bengals bio
• Washington Huskies bio