Ranking all 30 of the Cleveland Browns quarterbacks since 1999
By Greg Newland
No. 22 – Cody Kessler
Cody Kessler had no success with the Browns in two seasons. In eight starts Kessler had zero wins but did at least throw three more touchdowns (8) than interceptions (5). Kessler showed some arm talent and was a capable NFL quarterback, but unfortunately, a lackluster roster in 2016 would hold him from any success.
After two years in Cleveland, Kessler would be traded to Jacksonville where he would pick up two NFL wins. Kessler hasn’t seen any game action since the 2018 season.
No. 21 – Ty Detmer
After limited success before coming to the Browns, Ty Detmer was brought in to be a veteran presence in 2000. Detmer spent eight years in the league and only had one successful year with the Philadelphia Eagles going 7-4 in 1996.
Detmer was a primary back-up and only had two starts in one year with the Browns, but Detmer was unable to win either decision. After one season with the Browns Detmer was traded to the Detroit Lions where he would end his career.
No. 20 – Doug Pederson
While Doug Pederson is known as an offensive guru as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl-winning coach was less than average in his short tenure with the Browns. For Pederson’s entire 11-year career he was a backup and in 17 starts he only came away with three wins.
Pederson was in Cleveland for one season going 1-7 while throwing two touchdowns to eight interceptions. It appears Pederson found his calling as a coach, but Browns fans know all too well it wasn’t being an NFL quarterback.
No. 19 – Thad Lewis
Going through this list there is starting to be a trend, far too many quarterbacks that only started one game for the Browns. Thaddeus Lewis was no different. In 2012 Lewis started one game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in which he lost a contested battle. Lewis completed 69 percent of his passes and had one touchdown along with one interception in the game.
He would find limited success after appearing only in six games after his one start with the Browns. Lewis was athletic and had a cannon but didn’t have the accuracy for an extended career in the NFL.