Chargers Announce Quarterback Signing Amid Disappointing 0-5 Start

The Los Angeles Chargers have bolstered their quarterback depth by signing Jake Browning to the practice squad, amid a disappointing 0-5 start to the season. Browning, who made an immediate impact as an undrafted rookie with the Bengals in 2023, completed 70.4% of his passes for a stellar 98.4 quarterback rating in nine games. However, his performance took a turn for the worse, throwing eight interceptions in four of his starts, resulting in three losses for the Bengals before he was replaced by Joe Flacco.

After the 2025 season, Cincinnati did not offer Browning a qualifying deal, making him a free agent once again.

Browning briefly found a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March but was later cut at the end of the preseason. The 25-year-old could potentially join the Chargers' active roster at some point during the season. The Chargers sought extra quarterback support after placing Trey Lance on injured reserve due to a groin injury. Currently, DJ Uiagalelei must compete with the more experienced Browning for the second-string quarterback position in the AFC West.

Although Herbert has been struggling, it seems unlikely that Browning or Uiagalelei will create any quarterback controversy this season. Nonetheless, the Chargers are in a scramble to find answers as they face a surprising 0-5 start following two consecutive playoff appearances under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team will aim for their first win when they take on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.