Notable 9: Best Quarterbacks in Cleveland Browns History

A Cleveland Browns football helmet.

Quarterbacks are often seen as the leaders of their teams. On a team like the Browns, which has seen many ups and downs, a strong quarterback can make all the difference.

The Cleveland Browns have a storied history filled with ups and downs over the decades. But one thing remains clear: the quest for a top-tier quarterback is an essential part of that journey. In this blog post, we will dive into the ranks of the nine best quarterbacks in Cleveland Browns history. By examining their statistics, win-loss records, and accolades, we will pay homage to these signal-callers who have donned the orange and brown.

1. Otto Graham

Otto Graham is often regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, not just in Browns history. He played for the franchise from 1946 to 1955 and led the Browns to ten championship games, winning seven titles. Graham threw for 23,584 yards and 174 touchdowns.

Despite playing in a different era, his impact remains remarkable. He had an impressive win-loss record of 105-17-4, which translates to an astounding .860 winning percentage. Graham is a 3X NFL MVP, 7X First-team All-Pro (4 NFL & 3 AAFC), and a 5X Pro Bowl Selection. All of that led to Graham being a member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor, and his number 14 retired by the Cleveland Browns.

2. Frank Ryan

Frank Ryan was a pivotal player in the 1960s for the Cleveland Browns. During his time, he threw for 19,201 yards and 116 touchdowns, helping to secure a championship in 1964. Ryan was known for his accuracy and ability to read defenses, which made him a significant asset to the team.

His memorable plays and solid performances established him as one of the leading quarterbacks of his era. Ryan is the last QB to lead the Browns to an NFL Championship.

3. Brian Sipe

Brian Sipe was the Browns' starting quarterback from 1974 to 1983. He had a unique playing style that included mobility and a strong arm. Sipe amassed 23,713 passing yards and threw for 154 touchdowns during his career with the team. His best season came in 1980 when he was named the NFL MVP, throwing for 4,132 yards and leading the Browns to the playoffs.

Sipe's leadership and ability to perform under pressure earned him a cherished spot in the hearts of Browns fans. He had a win-loss record of 57-55, making him one of the more successful quarterbacks who played for the team.

4. Bernie Kosar

Bernie Kosar is a legendary icon for Browns supporters. His tenure with the team from 1985 to 1993 was marked by his determination and skill. With 23,301 passing yards and 124 touchdowns, Kosar set multiple team records during his time with the Browns.

Kosar's contributions led the Browns to several playoff appearances in the late 80s, including AFC Championship Games in 1986, 1987, and 1989. He remains one of the most cherished players among Cleveland Browns fans.

5. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield's arrival in 2018 injected new life into the Cleveland Browns. Selected first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield quickly became a fan favorite with his charismatic personality and competitive spirit. In his tenure with the team from 2018 to 2021, he threw for 14,125 yards and 92 touchdowns.

Although he had his challenges, including consistency, Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff victory in decades during the 2020 season. His time in Cleveland included a win-loss record of 29-30, which shows promise considering the team's past struggles.

6. Tim Couch

Tim Couch was the first overall pick by the Browns in the 1999 NFL Draft, as the team was an expansion following the original Browns' move to Baltimore in 1996. Despite challenges, Couch accumulated 11,131 passing yards and 64 touchdowns over four seasons.

Although his 22-37 win-loss record may not seem impressive initially, Couch guided the Browns to a playoff berth in 2002. Unfortunately, he broke his leg in the last game of the regular season and was unable to participate in the playoff game.

7. Vinny Testaverde

Vinny Testaverde played for the Cleveland Browns from 1993 to 1995. During his tenure, he brought veteran leadership and a strong arm to the team. Testaverde threw for 7,257 yards and 47 touchdowns while with the Browns. His experience and ability to make big plays were a few of the reasons that the Browns head coach Bill Belichick brought Testaverde in to replace Bernie Kosar.

Although Testaverde's tenure with the Browns was short, his impact was noteworthy. In 1994, he guided the team to an 11-5 record and into the playoffs, where they secured a victory in the wild card round but were defeated in the divisional round. Testaverde's stint in Cleveland concluded when the team relocated to Baltimore.

8. Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson had a notable season in 2007, where he made an impact as a starting quarterback for the Browns. He threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the team to a 10-6 record that year. Anderson's performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, cementing his place in the discussion.

In total, Anderson passed for 7,370 yards and 46 touchdowns during his time with the Browns. Despite experiencing highs and lows, his 2007 season is fondly recalled by fans. Anderson guided the Browns to a 10–6 overall record, achieving a 10–5 record in games he started. However, despite their winning record, the Browns did not make the playoffs that year, which is quite unusual for a team with 10 victories.

9. Milt Plum

Milt Plum is remembered as one of the key quarterbacks during the Browns' competitive years in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the 1957 NFL draft the Browns chose RB Jim Brown in the first round and Plum in the 2nd round (17th overall). Plum was a valuable part of the 1957 Cleveland Browns team that reached the NFL Championship Game.

Plum led the NFL in completion percentage in 1959, 1960, and 1961. His passer rating of 110.4 in the 1960 season remained the highest for a single season until 1989, when 49ers quarterback Joe Montana surpassed it. Plum was a 2X Pro Bowl selection.

The Legacy of Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks

Over the years, the Cleveland Browns have had a variety of skilled quarterbacks, each adding to the team's rich history. Although the Browns are still in pursuit of a franchise quarterback, these legendary players will forever be cherished by fans and be an integral part of the team's legacy. These nine remarkable quarterbacks will be the benchmark for future Browns quarterbacks.

*Honorable Mentions: Bill Nelsen, Kelly Holcomb, Joe Flacco,