The Cincinnati Bengals had an extremely trying 2025 season. For the third consecutive season, despite having one of the most lethal passing attacks in the league, the Bengals failed to make the playoffs.
When the Bengals were officially eliminated from playoff contention, star quarterback Joe Burrow was candid about the changes that needed to be made in order to get things turned around in Southwest Ohio.
“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change,” Burrow said, per ESPN. “Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”
One large problem the Bengals have been forced to navigate is Burow’s health, as he has struggled to stay on the field throughout his collegiate and professional career.
Unfortunately for fans in Cincinnati, the Bengals have even less depth behind Burrow, as they have lost his longtime backup Jake Browning in free agency, per one promient league insider.
“Free agent QB Jake Browning plans to sign with the Tampa Bay Bucs on a one-year deal, per source. From backing up Joe Burrow to Baker Mayfield,” reported ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday.
Free agent QB Jake Browning plans to sign with the Tampa Bay Bucs on a one-year deal, per source.
From backing up Joe Burrow to Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/ldK018A2dm
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 11, 2026
It’ll be interesting to see how Cincinnati replaces Browning on the roster.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.