The Cleveland Browns have not had an easy time finding a franchise quarterback. Though the team had hoped Deshaun Watson would be the answer when they traded the proverbial farm for him, that has not been the case.
Jameis Winston has been filling in for the injured Watson, also Dorian Thompson-Robinson. However, both are banged up and the Browns are set to start Bailey Zappe.
With Zappe set to start, the Browns are sadly set to start their 40th quarterback since 1999.
AP source says Bailey Zappe will start at quarterback for the Browns on Saturday. He’ll be No. 40 since 1999.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP)
January 2, 2025
CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 29: Bailey Zappe #2 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Browns QB Bailey…
CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 29: Bailey Zappe #2 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Browns QB Bailey Zappe will be 40th quarterback to start for team since 1999.
Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Zappe will get some valuable reps in the Browns’ final contest against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Browns could end the season with a final record of 3-14, which would place them in the top five and potentially top five in terms of draft order. Cleveland needs a quarterback, and will likely select one.
Even if Watson returns, he is going to be put through a quarterback competition to land the starting role. That is the belief currently among inside sources and NFL executives who have commented on the Browns’ issues.
Simply put, the Browns need to stop wasting time on their current passer and land big on a young prospect that can pull them out of mediocrity.
This story will be updated…
Browns to Start 40th Quarterback Since 1999 With Bailey Zappe
