Ranking the Browns 28 Starting QB’s Since 1999
By Mitch Zoloty
No. 10: Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is one of the more accomplished quarterbacks on this list. If we were comparing whole careers, he would most likely be higher on the list. Campbell was a first round draft pick by the Washington Redskins in the 2005 NFL Draft.
He later made his way to the Browns in 2013, after inking a two-year deal with the franchise. He would serve as a backup to Brandon Weeden. Eventually, after injuries to both Weeden and Brian Hoyer, he earned eight starts with the team, going 1-7 in these games.
His first two starts he performed pretty well as the starting quarterback. The first would be a 23-17 loss to the then 8-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Campbell would have a great game, throwing 296 yards with two touchdowns. Things were looking good for Campbell as the starting Browns signal caller.
The next week, he would have another great game against the Ravens. Campbell and the Cleveland Browns marched straight into Baltimore to win the game 24-18. Campbell would throw 23-of-35 for 262 yards and three touchdowns, including two to wide out Davone Bess.
That performance eanrned Campbell the AFC offensive player of the week award — not bad to hear about a Browns’ quarterback, right?
Things would go downhill for him and the Browns from here, as he would lose the rest of his starts. The following offseason, he and Brandon Weeden were both released by the Browns.
No. 9: Trent Dilfer
Trent Dilfer might be the most accomplished quarterback on this list. He was drafted with the sixth pick in the 1994 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. Dilfer would be somewhat of a journeyman quarterback, making his way to the Ravens and winning a Super Bowl. After his tenure with the Ravens, he would go to the Seahawks. He would make his way to the Cleveland Browns for the 2005 season, after a trade with the Seahawks.
Dilfer started 11 games in his tenure with the Browns, going 4-7. His first game would be a 27-13 loss to the Bengals where he had 278 yards, but two interceptions. He did have one touchdown, which was be a 68-yard pass to Frisman Jackson.
Dilfer would win games against the Packers, Bears, Titans, and Dolphins in his tenure with the Browns. Week 13 he was benched for Charlie Frye, and didn’t start another game for Cleveland. The following offseason he would be traded again, this time making his way to the 49ers.
Dilfer finished his tenure with the Browns with a 59.8 completion percentage, 11 touchdowns, 12 picks, and 2,321 yards. The 59.8 completion percentage would be the highest of his career.