Cleveland Browns: Ranking every starting QB since 1999
Trent Dilfer 2005
As the Browns sought to mold rookie Charlie Frye in the 2005 season, they went after a veteran quarterback who could both start immediately as well as mentor Frye. This addition came in the form of Trent Dilfer, whom Cleveland traded for from Seattle before the season.
Dilfer started right away, as Frye observed from the sidelines. The storied former Tampa Bay Buccaneer started 11 games for Cleveland, completing approximately 60 percent of his pass attempts. He threw 11 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions, leading the Browns to four wins. At the completion of 2005, Cleveland traded Dilfer to San Francisco.
In hindsight, Dilfer’s career in Cleveland was mediocre at best. The Browns didn’t make the playoffs, didn’t achieve a winning record and Frye really didn’t turn out to be the quarterback they hoped he would.
But what the veteran Dilfer did do that is so unique about any former Cleveland quarterback is stabilize the quarterback position for a time. His calming veteran presence and experience made everybody relax a bit during such a difficult time for the Browns organization.
Dilfer’s time in Cleveland is mostly forgotten in the grand scheme of his career, as he won a Super Bowl with Baltimore and had great success with Tampa Bay. But as far as Cleveland quarterbacks since 1999 are concerned, Dilfer is up there with the best of them.
Next: No. 5: Josh McCown