A Vikings QB Update Arrives…Just Not the One Everyone is Waiting to See
A fiery competitor, Jake Browning has had a nice NFL career. The former Vikings QB (the position is the subject of some focus lately) got added as an undrafted talent. Pretty quickly, he showed promise. Settling into Minnesota didn’t materialize but he has nevertheless done well for himself as a depth option.
Browning’s next opportunity has arrived. Consider what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had to say: “The Bucs found their backup to Baker Mayfield on Wednesday, agreeing to terms with Jake Browning on a one-year deal. Browning has 10 career starts in relief of Joe Burrow in Cincinnati.”
As Kyler Murray Decides, A Vikings QB Update Arrives
A touch lost in the shuffle, perhaps, but still worth remembering: the Vikings need a pair of things to occur at quarterback.
Most obvious is the need to raise the ceiling. Put a passer onto the field and then see that passer carve up a defense like granddad carves up the Thanksgiving turkey. Fair, reasonable, and needed.
However, what’s also needed is a sturdier low-end of quarterback play. When a quarterback is having a bad game, how bad does it get? Sometimes, the Vikings could accomplish next to nothing on offense due to having such abysmal quarterback play. That needs to change. Give the team a chance, however remote, even on the days when things go poorly.
The point, folks, is that Browning made at least some sense to add even if he’s not akin to Kyler Murray by being a clear upgrade at QB1.
Instead, he’s going down to Tampa Bay. Head coach Todd Bowles — he’s very good — will move ahead with scrappy, competitive passers. Not a perfect pair, Baker Mayfield alongside Browning does have some appeal.
Mr. Browning, 29, comes in at 6’2″ and 209 pounds. Not formidable size, but not tiny. His career has involved going 4-6 within his starts. More broadly, the completion rate comes in at 68.5% across his career for 2,707 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. As a QB2, Jake Browning isn’t too bad of an option.
The quarterback got into the NFL back in 2019, which feels like a lifetime ago. At the time, Kirk Cousins was still settling in as Minnesota’s (highly-paid) passer. Developing a young fella to function as cheap depth made a lot of sense.
Browning was eventually shown the door, leading to chance with Cincinnati. From 2021 through to 2025, Browning was a Bengal. Not a bad gig.
The emphasis now shifts to the Bucs. The NFC South team isn’t a favorite to win it all, but they’re a dark horse contender.
The backup’s job will be to support the starter, working as a coach in shoulder pads while decoding what the defense is doing. If there’s an injury, step onto the field and give the fellas a chance. Nobody expects the QB2 to move mountains; instead, give the roster a chance to climb up the steep incline.
In 2026, the Vikings and Buccaneers are scheduled to play each other. Maybe a former Vikings QB is the one who lines up under center.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
You must be logged in to post a comment.