Cleveland Browns: Ranking every starting QB since 1999

Josh McCown 2015-present

Signing with Cleveland for what was expected to be the final stint of his NFL career, Josh McCown likely didn’t expect to win the starting job so easily coming out of training camp in 2015. He was partially brought to Cleveland to mentor Johnny Manziel, but when Manziel was still not mature enough to start for Cleveland at the beginning of 2015, McCown was thrust into the role.

McCown’s time as a Brown didn’t get off to a fabulous start, as he suffered a concussion on the first possession of the opener in a loss to the New York Jets. To add insult to injury, he also fumbled on the goal line during the play. In Weeks 3-5 however, McCown returned, and made his presence known.

In back-to-back losses against the Raiders and Chargers, McCown threw for over 300 yards in each game, with four scores and just one interception. The next week against division foe Baltimore, the veteran set a Browns record with 457 passing yards in a 33-30 overtime victory on the road. His performance also marked the first time in NFL history that a quarterback threw for more than 450 yards, two touchdown passes, a rushing touchdown, and no interceptions.

The rest of 2015 was injury plagued for McCown, who sporadically started. His absence opened the door for Johnny Manziel and Austin Davis, who were both less than impressive. McCown is still on the roster to begin the 2016 season despite trade talks, and is expected to back up Robert Griffin III and mentor rookie Cody Kessler.

His consistent production in the limited snaps he has taken as a Brown is part of what puts him in the top five of this list. His professional attitude and veteran presence is the other reason he finds himself here, being a true mentor who undoubtedly can make a difference even when he isn’t on the field.

What likely made McCown so effective was his height, as the Browns haven’t had many quarterbacks stand at 6-foot-4 inches tall. While Cleveland hopes McCown won’t be needed in 2016, they can have confidence that the 37-year-old will step up if called upon. He is truly one of the better quarterbacks in Browns history, and the fifth best since 1999.

Next: No. 4: Brian Hoyer