Jake Browning is an NFL journeyman; there’s no two way to that fact. For the fourth time in his career, the quarterback is on the move, this time to sunny Los Angeles. The Chargers have signed Browning, insider Tom Pelissero reported.
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His wife, Stephanie, hasn’t shied away from the realities of their life now.
She wrote on her Instagram story, “At this point, I think it’s safe to say our life is just one big plot twist,” sharing a post announcing Browning’s signing.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Browning in August this year ahead of roster cuts. They had signed him in March after he became a free agent following the 2025 season. He went undrafted in 2019, but the Minnesota Vikings picked him up with a UDFA contract. After this stint, he has been on the rosters of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Bucs.
It is unclear whether Browning has been signed to the practice squad or active roster. But given how the QB’s career has shaped up so far, they never really know what’s coming their way.
Jake Browning has appeared in 17 career games, making 10 starts, and holds a 4-6 record. He has completed 68.5% of his passes for 2,707 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt. Browning has thrown 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
The Chargers have lost all five of their games this season. Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. DJ Uiagalelei is still on the team as his backup, while Trey Lance has been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. Browning could give the Chargers another quarterback with NFL experience and strengthen their options at the position.
That leaves Herbert and Uiagalelei as the only two available quarterbacks for the Chargers. But should both go down as well, Browning will be the next man up.
But here comes the real question: Will the Chargers start Browning? His history has not been particularly favorable. During his time with the Bengals last season, Browning got the chance to play when Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury. Unfortunately, he was able to win only one of the four games he played, including a disappointing 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Browning’s inconsistent performances led the Bengals to bring Joe Flacco onto the field instead. The missed opportunity frustrated him greatly.
“Obviously, I’m pissed,” Browning told the media in October last year. “If I wasn’t pissed, then I shouldn’t be in this locker room. It’s important to me. I’m aware of the role I played in the offensive struggles over the last few weeks. But I’m also not shouldering the entire situation. I went through yesterday, watched my throws, and tried to come up with some stuff I want to work on. I’m just doing that.”
Last season, Browning threw eight interceptions and six touchdowns, recording 771 passing yards with a 64.8% completion rate.
His role with the Chargers might be limited to backing up Herbert, as the starting quarterback does not appear to be going anywhere. At least, that is what ESPN’s Adam Schefter was told.
“The person cut me off mid-sentence, stopped me in my tracks, and said, ‘Let me be very clear about this: we have never even discussed that idea. Should we trade Justin Herbert has never been uttered in our organization, nor will it be.’ This is what the person said. … I didn’t even hear a ‘we will listen.’ They won’t discuss it, they won’t think about it,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on X.
So, let’s wait and see how Jake Browning is utilized when the Chargers face the Chiefs, who are still undefeated this season.