Browns Qb

The Browns' Quarterback Carousel: A History of Instability

From Tim Couch to Deshaun Watson, the Browns have had a revolving door at the quarterback position

Since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999, they have had 38 different players start at quarterback. That's an average of more than three different starters per season. Only three times in that span have the Browns had the same starting quarterback for more than one season: Tim Couch (2001), Baker Mayfield (2019-2021), and Deshaun Watson (2022-present).

The Tim Couch Era

Tim Couch was the Browns' first quarterback after they returned to the NFL in 1999. He was a highly touted prospect out of Kentucky, but he never lived up to expectations in Cleveland. Couch led the Browns to just one winning season in his six years with the team, and he was eventually traded to the Packers in 2004.

The Post-Couch Era

After Couch's departure, the Browns went through a period of quarterback instability. They had 10 different starting quarterbacks in the six seasons following Couch's trade. None of those quarterbacks were able to lead the Browns to a winning season.

The Baker Mayfield Era

Baker Mayfield was the Browns' starting quarterback from 2019 to 2021. He was a dynamic playmaker, but he was also turnover-prone. Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 in 2020, but they lost in the Wild Card round. Mayfield was traded to the Panthers in 2022.

The Deshaun Watson Era

Deshaun Watson is the Browns' current starting quarterback. He is a three-time Pro Bowler, and he is widely considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Watson is coming off a major knee injury, but he is expected to be ready to start the 2023 season.

The Future of the Browns' Quarterback Position

The Browns have a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position. Watson is a talented player, but he is coming off a major injury. If Watson is not able to return to his previous form, the Browns could be in trouble. The Browns also have several other young quarterbacks on their roster, but none of them have proven to be ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

The Browns' quarterback carousel has been spinning for far too long. The team needs to find a long-term solution at the position if they want to be successful.