The Cleveland Browns are set to make NFL history once again as Bailey Zappe prepares to take the field as the franchise’s 40th starting quarterback since 1999. This unprecedented milestone comes in light of the team’s struggles with quarterback consistency, as Zappe gears up to face the Baltimore Ravens in their season finale on Saturday.
The Browns, who currently lead the league in quarterback changes, have seen notable turnover after losing Deshaun Watson to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7. This setback forced the franchise to rely on Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson before finally turning to Zappe. Since Watson’s high-profile $230 million contract commenced in 2022, the team has cycled through eight different starting quarterbacks, reflecting a challenging period for the organization.
The frequent shifts under center have left a mark on the Browns’ history. Notably, the team has experienced the unique situation where they were able to compete for playoff spots with at least four different quarterbacks in a single season—an NFL first. Historically, since the franchise’s reestablishment in 1999, only Tim Couch, Derek Anderson, Colt McCoy, and Baker Mayfield have held the position for consecutive seasons, with Mayfield being the only one to start for four straight years.
Bailey Zappe, who joined the Browns from the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad earlier this season, will also join a group of quarterbacks who have made only a single start for the team during this 25-year period. This includes several lesser-known players who had brief tenures under center, highlighting the ongoing challenges the franchise has faced in maintaining quarterback stability.
Despite these hurdles, the Browns’ ability to adapt and utilize a range of quarterbacks underscores the resilience of the team. With Zappe stepping in for the final game, the organization is hoping to end on a positive note and perhaps set the stage for a brighter future.
Looking forward, this situation may ultimately pave the way for renewed focus on finding stable leadership at quarterback. As the Browns reflect on past struggles, there’s optimism for the next season, with the potential for a more consistent approach to the position.