The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback situation has been about Baker Mayfield and his contract. The team will only go as far as Mayfield will take them in 2026, but having a capable backup is important.
In 2025, Teddy Bridgewater may as well have stayed on the sidelines as a high school coach in southern Florida. He wasn't very good last season. In four games, the backup QB managed a respectable 8 of 15 passing for 62 yards, but his practices were hardly worth noting.
The Buccaneers moved on from Bridgewater this year, as they should have. Replacing him is Jake Browning, formerly of the Bengals. Unlike his predecessor, Browning is giving fans a reason to believe that if Mayfield goes down, the Buccaneers are still in good hands. Browning is having a good training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers can breathe easier with Jake Browning behind Baker Mayfield
In just over a week of camp practices, Browning is showing a surprising knowledge of the Buccaneers' offensive system. He is building chemistry with the receivers. Sports Illustrated listed him as one of the "winners" from the first week of training camp.
Bucs' fans may not be familiar with Browning, considering he has spent most of his career on the bench. He was an undrafted rookie in 2023, signed by the Bengals. He made the roster and started 7 games as a replacement for injured Joe Burrow. He posted a winning 4-3 record with 12 touchdowns.
In 2024, Burrow got injured again, and Browning was back on the sidelines, but he started three games in 2025 when Burrow went back down. His 6 TDs to 8 interceptions were less than ideal, and the Bengals went 0-3 with him under center.
Not all of those problems were on him, as the Bengals didn't play well for much of the season. Even with Burrow on the field, the Bengals won only 6 games.
The Bengals let him go this offseason, and he is making strides in Tampa. So far, Browning looks like a steal for Jason Licht, who will also watch undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels develop. Daniels has a long way to go, but he can take comfort in knowing that his path is a similar one to the guy in front of him. There is a lot to learn from Browning in that regard.
For the Buccaneers, it's all about Mayfield, but if Browning has to step in for a few series or a game, he is showing early signs that he is building the rapport that he needs to be successful.
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