Cincinnati Bengals went above and beyond to do right by backup quarterback Jake Browning

Browning proved his worth last year after Burrow's season ended seven weeks early due to a wrist injury. He threw for 1,868 yards, 11 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and completed 71.5% of his passes while starting the final seven games of the season. The Bengals won four of his starts.

A trip to the playoffs was barely missed with Browning under center, but the Bengals saw more than enough to reward Browning beyond the bare minimum of what they could've.

Bengals went above and beyond to retain Jake Browning

Browning wasn't just a free agent this offseason, he was an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he hasn't accrued enough seasons in the NFL to enter unrestricted (or restricted) free agency. This gave the Bengals total power over his future this season.

The Bengals extended an ERFA tender offer to Browning back in February, and if Browning declined the offer, he would be ineligible to play football. The Bengals held every ounce of leverage over whether or not Browning would be in the NFL following his impressive seven-game stretch. 

Instead of forcing him to sign a one-year minimum deal, both sides successfully negotiated a two-year deal that prevents Browning from going through the process again next year.

The finances of said deal are unknown, but what could've happened is clear. Had Browning signed the ERFA tender worth $915,000, he would've entered exclusive rights free agency once more and would be offered at best $1,030,000 for another year. His total earnings through 2025 would've been just under $2 million. 

Cincinnati opting to skip all of that and sign him for the next two years likely means they bought out his season ERFA season, with a higher total pay as well.

Browning gets peace of mind and more money, while the Bengals get to keep their backup for Burrow for the next two years. Logan Woodside is also joining the quarterback room, completely filling it out until an undrafted free agent is potentially added as well.