The Cleveland Browns have historically faced significant challenges at the quarterback position since their return to the NFL in 1999. They have cycled through 42 different quarterbacks, with Shedeur Sanders recently joining the list after completing seven starts last season. The team’s struggle for stability in this critical role is a primary reason they have only made the playoffs four times in the last two decades.
The Browns’ most controversial quarterback decision occurred during the 2022 free agency when they chose to part ways with Baker Mayfield, who had led them to their first playoff victory since 1994. Instead, they signed Deshaun Watson to a lucrative five-year contract worth $250 million, making him the highest-paid quarterback at the time. However, Watson’s tenure has been plagued by injuries and poor performance, as he has managed to play just 19 games since joining the team.
Kevin Stefanski, who was instrumental in leading the Browns to the playoffs twice since 2020 and earned the Head Coach of the Year award in both seasons, was let go after two disappointing years. His downfall was largely attributed to the failure of the Watson signing, which ultimately left the quarterback position in disarray. Despite the setback in Cleveland, Stefanski quickly secured a new role as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
One major point of contention surrounding Stefanski during his time with the Browns was the perception that he neglected to work closely with Shedeur Sanders until just before he became the starting quarterback. However, an NFL on CBS reporter clarified that Stefanski did, in fact, invest time in developing both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel prior to their ascensions. The reporter noted that while Sanders was not initially dressed for games, he received individualized coaching every Friday and Monday after practice. Once named the starter, Stefanski made it a priority to hold frequent one-on-one meetings with Sanders.
Now, Stefanski finds himself in a similar situation with the Falcons, overseeing a quarterback room that includes Michael Penix Jr., who is entering his third year with limited success, and veteran Kirk Cousins, who has shown signs of decline. This new role presents another opportunity for Stefanski to demonstrate his coaching prowess, and fans can hope for a more stable chapter in the quarterback saga. The potential for growth is promising, illustrating that with the right coaching, success can be achieved despite past struggles.