Jake Browning

ANALYSIS
Undrafted back in 2019, the QB spent two years on Minnesota's practice squad and then two seasons on Cincinnati's. Browning finally got his shot in 2023, winning the No. 2 QB job for the Bengals and eventually replacing an injured Joe Burrow (wrist) for the final seven and a half games of the season. Browning played surprisingly well down the stretch, with 15 total TDs (three rushing) and seven turnovers (all INTs) while leading all qualified passers in completion percentage (70.4) and ranking fifth in yards per attempt (8.0). The 28-year-old's status as an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason essentially locked him into staying with the Bengals, and the two-year deal now sets him up to be a restricted free agent after 2025. His solid performance in 2023, combined with 2-3 more years of team control, could make Browning a trade target for QB-needy teams, though there haven't been rumblings of interest this spring.

ANALYSIS
The Bengals' backup has been outstanding since taking over for an injured Joe Burrow six weeks ago, posting a 73.7 completion percentage and 8.9 yards per attempt in his five starts, both of which would be top-two marks in the league if Browning had played enough to qualify. Burrow isn't going anywhere, so Browning figures to parlay his starting opportunity into a big contract and a new team heading into the 2024 season.