Cleveland Browns Quarterback Carousel: A History of Instability
38 Signal-Callers Have Started for the Browns Since 1999
The Cleveland Browns have endured a revolving door at the quarterback position since their return to the NFL in 1999. Over the past 24 seasons, a staggering 38 different players have taken snaps under center for the Browns, an average of nearly two quarterbacks per year.
A Litany of Quarterbacks
The list of Browns starting quarterbacks during this period reads like a litany of NFL journeymen and failed experiments. From Tim Couch to Baker Mayfield, the Browns have cycled through names like Ty Detmer, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, and Johnny Manziel. Each has come and gone, leaving behind little more than broken promises and dwindling fan support.
The Browns' inability to find a franchise quarterback has been a major factor in their lack of success over the past two decades. The team has only made the playoffs three times since 1999 and has never won a postseason game.
What's Next?
The Browns are hoping to break the cycle of quarterback instability with Deshaun Watson, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans in 2022. Watson is a Pro Bowl quarterback with a proven track record of success. However, his off-field issues could overshadow his on-field performance and make it difficult for the Browns to turn the page on their quarterback woes.
Only time will tell if Watson can be the answer for the Browns. But until the team can find a quarterback who can provide long-term stability, it's unlikely that the Browns will be able to compete for championships.