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Quarterback business as usual for the Cleveland Browns

By Russell S. Baxter

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Once again, the Cleveland Browns will have a new face under center. Has the franchise finally solved its quarterback situation for the foreseeable future?

Just when it appeared that the Denver Broncos’ acquisition of star quarterback Russell Wilson was the biggest trade of the 2022 offseason in terms of quarterbacks, there was another move that perhaps opened as many or even more eyes.

And after it appeared that the Cleveland Browns were eliminated from the list of teams that talented Deshaun Watson would like to be dealt to, he changed his mind, waived his no-trade clause, and was dealt to Cleveland for a slew of picks while signing a lucrative contract (via Spotrac).

A change at quarterback is nothing new for this franchise. As a reminder, the current Browns returned to the National Football League in 1999 after the original franchise moved to Baltimore in 1996 and became the Ravens. Since then, the club has had a dozen different head coaches. And astounding 32 different signal-callers.

In 2018, Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield became the fifth quarterback drafted by the Browns in the first round dating back to their return to the league in 1999. He joined Tim Couch (’99), Brady Quinn (2007), Brandon Weeden (2012), and Johnny Manziel (2014).

As for the Browns’ current number of quarterbacks (for now), it currently stands at four with Watson and Mayfield – along with Nick Mullens and another newcomer in Jacoby Brissett. The latter spent 2021 with Miami, where he started five games this past season. Of course, Mayfield is looking to be traded as general manager Andrew Berry reconfigures his quarterback depth chart so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, when will Watson make his first start for his new team? His off-the-field issues have yet to be settled in terms of what it means to the NFL. And there could indeed be a suspension in his future. Hence the signing of Brissett.

So will he be the Browns’ 33rd different starting quarterback since 1999? In any case, Watson figures to eventually take the field for a team that has spent its re-existence looking for the right man under center.

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