Washington's career passing leader is searching for a new NFL home.
Former Huskies quarterback Jake Browning, who holds career records in passing yards (12,296), passing touchdowns (94), completions (958), attempts (1,483), and total offense (12,540) in his four years on Montlake, was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday as part of the final round of NFL roster cuts. Browning had been competing with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels of Kansas for the backup quarterback job behind Baker Mayfield.
After he was released, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reported that Browning was offered the opportunity to return to Tampa Bay on the practice squad but declined so that he could pursue other NFL opportunities.
QB Jake Browning, cut by the Bucs today,
has declined a chance to return to the team's practice squad and will sign elsewhere. Bucs can have a new QB3 or can bring back Connor Bazelak on practice squad.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 30, 2026
Browning initially signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He spent that season on the practice squad, then returned to Minnesota for a second year on the practice squad in 2020. After being cut heading into the season again in 2021, Browning instead signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, where he remained in 2022. He won the backup job behind Joe Burrow in 2023, starting 7 games after Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury. He also started 3 games in relief of an injured Burrow last season before moving on to Tampa Bay this offseason.
A sophomore starter on the Washington team that made the school's first College Football Playoff appearance, Browning is one of the most decorated and beloved players in program history. He was first-team All-Pac-12 in 2016, then honorable mention All-Pac-12 in 2017 and 2018. He was also named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and was a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Manning Awards, as well as a semi-finalist for the Maxwell Trophy and O'Brien Award.
Browning, now 30, has completed 252-of-368 passes (68.5 percent) for 2,707 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 17 career appearances, all with the Bengals. Daniels, however, had a standout preseason and won the job over the veteran, who will now be looking for work as NFL teams finalize their rosters before Week 1 kicks off on September 9.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football QB released by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
