Chargers Sign QB Jake Browning

Browning joined the Chargers on Tuesday, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero. It is a practice squad agreement. Browning will be position to function as the Bolts’ emergency third quarterback, though Uiagalelei’s lack of experience would seemingly open the door to the ex-Bengals backup moving to the QB2 spot at some point.

A Tuesday workout led to the Browning addition, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. Kyle Trask also auditioned for this gig, but Browning will be the recent Buccaneer arm collecting a practice squad check from the Chargers. Browning has been a free agent since losing the Buccaneers’ QB2 battle to rookie UDFA Jalon Daniels, who is now operating as Tampa Bay’s starter following Baker Mayfield’s thumb injury.

The Bucs had signed Browning to a one-year deal barely eclipsing the veteran minimum; they ate $400K in dead money to move on after the preseason. Browning, 30, is coming off a rough stretch as a Joe Burrow fill-in last season. After putting together a solid work sample in place of Burrow in 2023, Browning lost his three 2025 starts and played poorly enough the Bengals canvassed the league before acquiring Joe Flacco from the Browns. Flacco replaced Browning as Cincinnati’s starter on a few days’ notice and kept the job until Burrow returned.

The Bengals had Browning on a two-year, $1.95MM contract from 2024-25, but he has lost momentum since that 2023 season. Browning completed an impressive 70.4% of his passes at 8.0 yards per attempt during his time at the controls that year, throwing 12 touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions in nine games (seven starts). He will serve as a veteran presence behind Uiagalelei for the time being.

A groin injury sidelined Lance, who had held off Uiagalelei for the backup job in training camp. The Chargers will have a different QB2 plan in place for at least four games.