Complete List of Every Browns Quarterback Since 1999

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Updated November 17, 2025, at 3:37 p.m.

The Cleveland Browns have added another chapter to their long quarterback rotation. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has started for the team for over a month, but during Sunday’s gam,e he was forced out with a concussion.

In came rookie Shedeur Sanders, making his NFL debut in the second half. Gabriel remains the primary starter while Sanders remains the QB 2 for now.

Since the franchise’s return to the league in 1999, Cleveland has named 41 different starting quarterbacks. Some arrived as high-profile draft picks. Others were veterans brought in for short-term stability. A number of heads of state didn’t last long.

From Tim Couch—the Browns’ first pick after the return—to Derek Anderson’s unexpected Pro Bowl season, to Brady Quinn and Colt McCoy’s brief tenures, the list offers both length and frustration for fans. More recently, players like Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco carried massive expectations, yielding mixed results.

Now the Browns face another decision at the game’s most important position. Head coach Kevin Stefanski says Gabriel remains the starter if he is healthy, but Sanders’ first action adds a new wrinkle. Cleveland will soon learn which rookie quarterback ultimately takes the reins moving forward.

1. Tim Couch

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1999-2002

2. Ty Detmer

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1999

3. Doug Pederson

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Doug Pederson #18, Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns calls the play on the line of scrimmage during the American Football Conference Central Division game against the Tennessee Titans on 19th November 2000 at the Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. The Titans won the game 24 – 10. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) vertical,color image,photography,people,full length,one person,usa,sport,18-19 years,sports team,american football – sport,nfl,quarterback,line of scrimmage,match – sport,tennessee,sports activity,nashville,instructions,tennessee titans,cleveland browns,headwear,sports helmet,afc,2000,offense – sporting position,nissan stadium – nashville,center – athlete,snapping the ball,doug pederson