Browns Face Another Troubling Quarterback Duel

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for yet another quarterback competition, this time featuring Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from two torn Achilles, and Shedeur Sanders, who struggled last season with ten interceptions in just six games. Fans are understandably skeptical, as many view this season as a precursor to pursuing a new quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft, potentially eyeing prospects like Arch Manning or Dante Moore.

This situation prompts a reflection on the franchise’s history with quarterback battles. The current competition may seem rough, but it pales in comparison to one of the most infamous showdowns in recent memory.

In 2017, the Browns introduced a truly chaotic quarterback race involving not two, but four players. The team returned Cody Kessler, a third-round draft pick from 2016, and undrafted free agent Kevin Hogan from the previous year. They also acquired Brock Osweiler from the Houston Texans in a deal that allowed the Browns to take on his hefty contract in exchange for a second-round draft pick. To complete the quartet, they selected rookie Deshone Kizer in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Kizer ultimately secured the starting position, but his tenure was marked by a disastrous 0-16 season. This performance earned the Browns the No. 1 overall pick in the following draft, which they used to select Baker Mayfield. Clearly, the 2017 quarterback competition remains a benchmark for disappointment in Cleveland.