SI.com Has Different View Of Jake Browning
June 5th, 2026
Bucs backup QB Jake Browning.
It seems like the once august sports publication of America thinks the Bucs could have searched the fruited plain for a better backup.
List Season is coming early this year. Usually List Season doesn’t arrive until minicamps have come and gone. Bucs minicamp isn’t for two weeks.
Gilberto Manzano of SI.com once was a huge Jake Browning fan. But after Browning blew chunks in Cincinnati last year after Joe Burrow went down, Manzano has drastically changed his tune on the Washington product, so he typed while ranking all 32 backup quarterbacks.
26. Jake Browning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Two years ago, Browning was ranked No. 1 on these QB2 rankings. However, his game fell off a cliff last year and was nowhere near as good as he was before when he filled in for Joe Burrow during a lengthy stretch.In 2023, Browning went 4–3, completing 70.4% of his passes. He didn’t appear as confident in his three starts last year, losing every game before he was benched for Joe Flacco. The Buccaneers are rolling the dice here because it seemed Browning’s arm strength drastically declined last season.
The fact Browning lost his backup gig to an old man like Flacco is all you need to know.
Joe still maintains Browning is the biggest upgrade at backup quarterback since Blaine Gabbert was here. Kyle Trask just wasn’t the guy and it appears never will be. He’s still looking for work. In June.
And Joe still believes Teddy Bridgewater was a waste of time last year. It’s very clear the Bucs did not trust Bridgewater, otherwise they would (should?) have sat beat-up Baker Mayfield to get him healed up for a playoff run.
June 5th, 2026 at 9:21 am
“The Buccaneers are rolling the dice here because it seemed Browning’s arm strength drastically declined last season.”
I really do wish we went after Jack Strand.
Jake Browning was the popcorn fart signing of the offseason so far.
June 5th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Now I’m wondering if Browning has some ‘undisclosed injury’, lot of those going around, I just left the sports medicine guy, awaiting appointment for MRI of my shoulder, rotator cuff pain is REAL, can’t even throw dog’s tennis ball sidearmed
June 5th, 2026 at 9:24 am
I’ll do it for half the pay
June 5th, 2026 at 9:37 am
I’m hoping the only time we see Browning is in pictures of his smoking hot girlfriend…and hopefully he’s cool enough to put her front and center in the shot for fans. The NFL has morphed into an entertainment product first/competetive sport second after all 😆
June 5th, 2026 at 9:42 am
I’d still make a move for Mason Rudolph. Bear with me.
At 6’5″, he brings a different dimension to practice — literally. His height allows him to see the field from angles shorter quarterbacks simply can’t, which means he’s more likely to identify coverage busts, leverage breakdowns, and schematic weaknesses that a smaller QB might miss entirely.
That matters because the purpose of training camp isn’t just preparing the offense — it’s stress-testing the defense. If Rudolph can find and exploit cracks in the scheme during practice, that’s exactly what you want. Better to expose those vulnerabilities in June and August than have Burrow, Stafford, or Lamar Jackson find them in September.
Repetition, coaching, and scheme adjustments can fix what gets exposed in camp. They can’t fix what never gets discovered. In that sense, a 6’5″ veteran quarterback isn’t just offensive depth — he’s another tool for sharpening a defense that has a lot to prove in 2026.
June 5th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Bucs will lose every game that Baker does not start.
June 5th, 2026 at 9:48 am
and everygame Baker does start, 0-17 here we come
June 5th, 2026 at 9:48 am
0-17
June 5th, 2026 at 10:01 am
I dig her white bodysuit, Toes. Speaking of… lol.
June 5th, 2026 at 10:03 am
Perfect for Bowles back up.
June 5th, 2026 at 10:03 am
Personally, I think 26 is generous. I know this is a bit of reach, but I was really hoping bucs would have grabbed udfa Luke Altmeyer. Don’t get me wrong, I like Daniel’s mobility, but he is fragile. Luke is a heady high percentage passer. He moves like Mayfield, is tough, and has a similar gritty mind set as Mayfield to get it done, whatever it takes. While he doesn’t have Mayfield’s arm, I think he is a better decision maker (brain vs arm brawn). I feel by the end of camp we’d all would have felt ok with him at #2. But….wishes, kisses, and JL misses. The Lions saw the potential in him
June 5th, 2026 at 10:10 am
I like our rookie
June 5th, 2026 at 10:18 am
I think it depends on what teams expect the backup QB’s role to be. In alot of teams they want a veteran that can be a 2nd pair of eyes at field level to share insight back to the starting QB when they come back to the sidelines. Kyle Trask could not ever bring this skill, since he never got to play outside pre-season. Also Kyle was notably a slow learner. So learning other teams offense weekly also was a challenge. He also could not replicate more athletic Opposing QBs. Hence, he is out of work in the NFL. The other role is running scout team offense in practice. This means they are spending more time running that week’s opponent offense more than reps at their own offense. I would think that a reasonable expectation for a backup QB is to break even W-L.
June 5th, 2026 at 10:44 am
@LUVMYBUCS
I’m sorry sir! YOU’RE MAKING WAY TOO MUCH SENSE! Just stop it man!
@Froggy
If you would have spoke up a month or two ago, Todd Bowles might have considered it BUT Jason Licht might have signed you right up! He has been looking for ways to fund a kegger at his place so he definitely would have considered your offer. Seems the qualifications ISN’T being great at your job. I mean take a look at Tracy Chapman last season. She almost crippled one of our Premier receivers within the first couple of throws she made. The guy we hired to replace her Lost Every single game he was in last year. So CLEARLY the goal line is severely low that ACTUALLY WINNING ISN’T THE MOST IMPORTANT.. SO WHY NOT YOU?
Is there “actually a plan” in place or IS the situation EVEN WORSE than THAT and they are seriously trying? It’s going to be a interesting ride!
A Franchise QB IS the goal for this year. To sit and learn behind Baker. Nothing Else makes sense…
June 5th, 2026 at 10:47 am
Baker said he’s not close to a contract agreement with the front office. Do I smell chum in the water??
June 5th, 2026 at 10:53 am
No sports mag whose best issue features swimsuits could ever be called “august.”
Browning’s evaluation was lacking, based on three anonymous games. Geezer Flacco still considers himself starter material, and very recently he led the Cleveland Browns (!) to the playoffs, replacing the highest guaranteed-money in history.
June 5th, 2026 at 10:57 am
Well he knows the Cincinnati offense inside and out. Bet Bowles will not even ask him one question about it. Robinson as already picked his brain for hours on there defense. But Bowles thinks he don’t need that intel. He don’t change his defense for who he is playing. His defense is so well coached they just run the same one against every opponent. Browning may know a thing or to about there checks at the line but Bowles don’t need that intel. He is one of the best defensive coordinators of all time. Just coach it play and execute it better
June 5th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Sounds suspiciously like ‘something’ is going on with Jake Browning that we’re not privy to. Wouldn’t be the first time.
Based on earlier reports Joe, it sounded like you were duly impressed with our rookie QB (Daniels). His game sounds like it’d parallel Baker Mayfield’s (both same size, both reasonably accurate when on the move).
June 5th, 2026 at 11:11 am
“Well he knows the Cincinnati offense inside and out. Bet Bowles will not even ask him one question about it. Robinson as already picked his brain for hours on there defense. But Bowles thinks he don’t need that intel”
Some of ya’ll, man
Anywho here’s a quote from Bowles back in 2023 on Bengals OC Dan Pitcher, who we interviewed during our ’23 OC search.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles commented on Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher at the NFL meetings.
Here’s what Bowles had to say about Pitcher:
“I saw him a year ago when we played them. He does such a great job developing Joe Burrow, he does a great job schematically helping out,” Bowles said. “(After) I interviewed him, I think he’s going to be a heck of a coach in this league and he brings something to the table from an ingenuity standpoint about running an offense that you normally don’t get in this league and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Also, you don’t know what Bowles and any player talk about unless they talk about it publicly. Let’s not kid ourselves, just to make a point that means nothing.
June 5th, 2026 at 11:12 am
So Browning played well 3 years ago and was considered among the best backup QBs available…..
But now – at 30 years old – he has lost armstrength and is one of the worst backup QBs in the league???
I’m not buying that idea based on just 3 games last year. I didn’t watch those games and don’t get to see the Bengals play very often – but isn’t it just possible (if not likely) that the Bengals OLine was not up to snuff and that was at least partially to blame for Browning not playing well when he got some starts last year?
Browning will get plenty of chances to show what he can do in pre-season games so I guess we will all get to see for ourselves how well he can run the Bucs offense in a couple of months.
Seems likely to me that Browning is a huge upgrade over Bridgewater – but we shall see…..
June 5th, 2026 at 11:14 am
It matters not. A prime Elway could come to this team and after half a season, start playing like Dilfer.
June 5th, 2026 at 11:32 am
Maybe should have grabbed Flacco
June 5th, 2026 at 11:33 am
We have 2 QB prospects with good upside..why invest in a declining Guy and not give an oportunity to these kids.
June 5th, 2026 at 11:49 am
Sorsby in the supplemental draft.
June 5th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Adam Schefter
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield told reporters that a new deal is “not anywhere close” and he won’t negotiate once training camp begins.
———-
Thank God.
Let him play it out, see what happens. Literally no reason to extend him early coming off how bad he was from week 7 on last year. Getting your entire offensive staff fired shouldn’t get you a new deal.
June 5th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Jake from The General
June 5th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
agree with Munch, do not extend Baker, if he is great than he gets a tag
June 5th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Baker is not declining by a long shot. He’s a phenomenal QB we need to re-sign immediately. Simms had him ranked #10 in the league and really he should be 6 or 7. He had a rough time of it late last year due to a decimated offensive line. With them all back and playing like they did in 2024, this offense will be very exciting and high scoring again.
Also, I expect the defense to play significantly better. The addition of all these great pass rushers plus faster ILB’s will make a huge difference!
June 5th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Baker please take a team friendly deal in the 50 million/4 year range! If you go much higher we are going to lose other players (like offensive linemen!) that we *need* to win! Your performance and the team winning are hugely important and without our whole offensive line and defense it’s going to be very hard to be a winning team. Take a page from Tom Brady. He always knew there was a salary cap but wanted to play on a winning team.
June 5th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Joe, what are your thoughts on Bakers contract comments?
June 5th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Baker Deal Update
Not sure why Joe hasn’t weighed in on Baker’s comments.
Baker says the contract negotiations with the Bucs isn’t even close.
His deadline is training camp (a month). If no deal, he’s going to play out the contract.
You know he wants $50-60 and 3-4 years. I wonder what they offered him to “not be close”?
June 5th, 2026 at 1:11 pm
Baker was lied to and told he’s a top 10 QB. False!
He’s mid range just like his record proves out.
If $50 million per isn’t enough then hit the bricks son.
That’s already vastly overpriced for a guy that can’t win football games in prime time.
2027 we need a franchise QB in the draft. I’d prefer if Licht wasn’t making that decision.
June 5th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
3.28.Evans Says:
June 5th, 2026 at 11:14 am
“It matters not. A prime Elway could come to this team and after half a season, start playing like Dilfer.”
Hey man Elway and Dilfer both have SB rings! That would be a good thing!! We need a QB to take us to and win another SB! BM6…OK!! A backup…FINE with me!!
June 5th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Amazing! Baker still hasn’t had a press conference and people are still chattering about him. Of course, he won’t negotiate during training camp; That’s his agent’s job.
June 5th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
3.28.Evans Says:
June 5th, 2026 at 11:14 am
It matters not. A prime Elway could come to this team and after half a season, start playing like Dilfer.
————
Dilfer’s playoff record, 5-1
Baker’s playoff record, 2-3
June 5th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
À quarterback’s record isn’t relevant. Their record is an indicator of how good the complete team is, not the QB. Baker is an amazing QB. Extremely talented and the Bucs need him. Drafting a QB is a *horrible* idea! Odds are, it won’t work out- look at Michael Penix and James Winston. Lots of QBs taken early are miserable failures.
June 5th, 2026 at 1:57 pm
And…Dilfer’s defenses? Yeah, I thought so.like I said, record is irrelevant. Touchdowns are relevant and Baker is extremely good at those.
June 5th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
And…Dilfer’s defenses? Yeah, I thought so. Like I said, record is irrelevant. Touchdowns are relevant and Baker is extremely good at those.
June 5th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
You know what else is relevant? Wins
Problem with Baker is he has as many losses as he does wins.
Now he’s playing hardball with owners that only care about the bottom line.
But I think it would be perfect to let him play out the current deal and see what 2026 brings.
Baker, Bowles, and Licht are on the clock.
June 5th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Stpetematt Says:
June 5th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
À quarterback’s record isn’t relevant. Their record is an indicator of how good the complete team is, not the QB. Baker is an amazing QB. Extremely talented and the Bucs need him. Drafting a QB is a *horrible* idea! Odds are, it won’t work out- look at Michael Penix and James Winston. Lots of QBs taken early are miserable failures.
————
Put Winston in THIS all-time futile NFC South, with this middling defense, and good kicking game, and he’s taking the team to the playoffs every year.
Meanwhile, said it many times, and it’s true – Winston didn’t play in the cupcake NFC South we see today. From 2015-2019, he played the hardest schedule in football, while having the worst defense in football, with the worst kicking game in football. Not opinions, those are factual statements based on stats.
Also, as pointed out before, if you look at the top 5 seasons in Tampa for Winston and Baker, and rank by QBR, it’s Winston winning that matchup 3-2, including getting the top spot.
Baker and Winston do both hold one thing in common however, they both lead the NFL in interceptions the same number of times.
The idea Baker is better than the Bucs era Winston is fake news.
BUT, with that said, Baker is under contract. If he plays well this year, like he did in 2024, then of course the Bucs lock him up. If he plays like he did from week 7 on last year, then everyone is getting fired and the new coach will have a free hand to do whatever he wants.
There is literally no rush to do anything with Baker. He’s had one good year, one middling year, and one really bad year where he cost the team a spot in the playoffs and was so bad he made Mike Evans want out of town so bad he moved to the other side of the country.