Cleveland Browns · Franchise era 6 of 6
Talent returns, stability does not: the Cleveland Browns story
The story in one sentence
Cleveland ended its long playoff-win drought in 2020 and built an elite defense around Garrett, but quarterback decisions have kept the era unsettled.
A playoff breakthrough opens another complicated chapter
Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb and Denzel Ward gave the era its recognizable core.
Its final meaning is still being written.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2018
What came before
The restored franchise returned in 1999 but cycled through leadership and quarterbacks, with Thomas providing Hall of Fame stability amid the turnover.
2021-01-10
Wild Card: Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers
2021-01-17
Divisional Round: Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs
- 18TradeMarch 18, 2022
March 18, 2022
The unprecedented trade and contract that sent Deshaun Watson to Cleveland
The Browns made an extraordinary football and financial commitment amid serious off-field allegations; Houston chose the draft capital for a total reset.
To CLE2024PICKround asset
To HOU20221STround asset20231STround asset+3 assetsDeshaun Watson to ClevelandCLE receives Deshaun Watson, 2024 sixth-round pickHOU receives 2022 1st-round pick, 2023 1st-round pick, 2024 1st-round pick + 2 more7 original assets · 1 outcomes tracedOpen trade → 2024-01-13
Wild Card: Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans
Still unfolding
Where the story stands
This chapter remains active, so its final place in franchise history is still being written.
The core