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| team = Cleveland Browns | team = Cleveland Browns
| year = 2007 | year = 2007
| owner = ]
| coach = ] | coach = ]
| general manager = ] | general manager = ]
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| playoffs = ''Did not qualify'' | playoffs = ''Did not qualify''
| uniform = Image:AFCN-Uniform-CLE07-08.PNG | uniform = Image:AFCN-Uniform-CLE07-08.PNG
| pro bowlers = T ]<br>TE ]<br>QB ]<br>WR ]<br>KR ]<br>LS ] | pro bowlers = OT ]<br>TE ]<br>QB ]<br>WR ]<br>KR ]<br>LS ]
| shortnavlink = Browns seasons | shortnavlink = Browns seasons
}} }}


] rushes during Cleveland's 33-30 ] win at ], week 11]] ] rushes during Cleveland's 33-30 ] win at ], week 11]]


The '''2007 Cleveland Browns season''' was the franchise's 59th season as a professional sports franchise and its 55th season as a member of the ]. The season began with the Browns attempting to improve upon their 4–12 record from ], in which the team finished in fourth place in the ]. The Browns also attempted to overcome the many injuries that plagued the team throughout the 2006 season. The Browns remained under the supervision of head coach ] and they played all of their home games in ] in ], Ohio. The '''2007 Cleveland Browns season''' was the franchise's 59th season as a professional sports franchise and its 55th season as a member of the ] (NFL). The season began with the Browns attempting to improve upon their 4–12 record from ], in which the team finished in fourth place in the ]. The Browns also attempted to overcome the many injuries that plagued the team throughout the 2006 season. The Browns remained under the supervision of head coach ] and they played all of their home games in ] in ], Ohio.


During the ], the Browns selected ] ] ] with the third overall selection.<ref name=Thomas>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6735|title=Browns select Joe Thomas|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070530155518/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6735 |archive-date = May 30, 2007}}</ref> The Browns were also able to draft ] ] ] with the 22nd overall selection,<ref name=Quinn>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6743|title=Browns trade up, get Quinn|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008053608/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6743 |archive-date = October 8, 2007}}</ref> after completing a trade with ],<ref name="Quinn" /> which saw the Browns send their second-round pick in the 2007 draft, along with their first-round pick in the ], to the Cowboys for their first-round selection at number 22.<ref name="Quinn" /> The Browns completed their first-day draft by selecting ] ] ],<ref name=Wright>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6745|title=Another trade brings CB help|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070701213117/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6745 |archive-date = July 1, 2007}}</ref> following another trade with Dallas,<ref name="Wright" /> which saw the Browns giving up their third- and fourth-round picks in the 2007 draft and swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.<ref name="Wright" /> During the ], the Browns selected ] ] ] with the third overall selection.<ref name=Thomas>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6735|title=Browns select Joe Thomas|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070530155518/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6735 |archive-date = May 30, 2007}}</ref> The Browns were also able to draft ] ] ] with the 22nd overall selection,<ref name=Quinn>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6743|title=Browns trade up, get Quinn|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008053608/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6743 |archive-date = October 8, 2007}}</ref> after completing a trade with ],<ref name="Quinn" /> which saw the Browns send their second-round pick in the 2007 draft, along with their first round pick in the ], to the Cowboys for their first round selection at number 22.<ref name="Quinn" /> The Browns completed their first day draft by selecting ] ] ],<ref name=Wright>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6745|title=Another trade brings CB help|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070701213117/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6745 |archive-date = July 1, 2007}}</ref> following another trade with Dallas,<ref name="Wright" /> which saw the Browns giving up their third- and fourth-round picks in the 2007 draft and swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.<ref name="Wright" />


During the off-season, the Browns signed key free agents ] (], ]),<ref name=Steinbach1>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6528|title=Browns sign Steinbach|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070305161129/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6528 |archive-date = March 5, 2007}}</ref><ref name=Steinbach2>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10033712|title=Browns agree to terms with Steinbach|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070313230008/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10033712 |archive-date = March 13, 2007}}</ref> ] (], ]),<ref name=Lewis>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2791313|title=Lewis stops waiting on Ravens, agrees with Browns|access-date=March 7, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070311042321/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2791313| archive-date=March 11, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> and ] (], ]).<ref name=RobaireSmith>{{cite web|url=http://browns.scout.com/2/626926.html|title=Browns, Smith Reach Contract Agreement|access-date=March 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317193621/http://browns.scout.com/2/626926.html|archive-date=March 17, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> During the offseason, the Browns signed key free agents ] (], ]),<ref name=Steinbach1>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6528|title=Browns sign Steinbach|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070305161129/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6528 |archive-date = March 5, 2007}}</ref><ref name=Steinbach2>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10033712|title=Browns agree to terms with Steinbach|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070313230008/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10033712 |archive-date = March 13, 2007}}</ref> ] (], ]),<ref name=Lewis>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2791313|title=Lewis stops waiting on Ravens, agrees with Browns|access-date=March 7, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070311042321/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2791313| archive-date=March 11, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> and ] (], ]).<ref name=RobaireSmith>{{cite web|url=http://browns.scout.com/2/626926.html|title=Browns, Smith Reach Contract Agreement|access-date=March 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317193621/http://browns.scout.com/2/626926.html|archive-date=March 17, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


The Browns ultimately finished the season with a 10–6 record but nevertheless failed to qualify for the playoffs. They were beaten for the division title on a tiebreaker by the ] and lost another tiebreaker for a wildcard berth to the ]. The team finished the season having scored 402 points with 5,621 yards of total offense, both 8th best in the NFL; however, the defense allowed 382 points (21st best) and gave up 5,753 yards (30th best).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=]|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2007.htm|title=2007 Cleveland Browns Statistics & Players|accessdate=September 20, 2021}}</ref> The Browns ultimately finished the season with a 10–6 record but nevertheless failed to qualify for the playoffs. They were beaten for the division title on a tiebreaker by the ] and lost another tiebreaker for a wildcard berth to the ]. The team finished the season having scored 402 points with 5,621 yards of total offense, both 8th best in the NFL; however, the defense allowed 382 points (21st best) and gave up 5,753 yards (30th best).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=]|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2007.htm|title=2007 Cleveland Browns Statistics & Players|accessdate=September 20, 2021}}</ref>


As of January 3, 2021, this remains the second-best record and the second of three winning seasons the Browns have had since returning to the NFL in 1999. This was the Browns’ last winning season until ]. As of January 3, 2021, this remains the second-best record and the second of four winning seasons the Browns have had since returning to the NFL in 1999. This was the Browns’ last winning season until ].


== Off-season == == Offseason ==


=== Coaching staff changes === === Coaching staff changes ===
The Cleveland Browns’ offense was marred by bad play-calling throughout the early stages of ], forcing the resignation of the team's offensive coordinator, ], on October 24, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5953|title=Carthon resigns|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008053404/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5953 |archive-date = October 8, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following Carthon's resignation, head coach ] hired assistant head coach and offensive line coach ] as the team's offensive coordinator for the remainder of the 2006 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5957|title=Davidson will call plays|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008053232/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5957 |archive-date = October 8, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the Browns lost Davidson to ], where he was hired to serve as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panthers.com/common/article.aspx?id=16552 |title=Davidson named offensive coordinator |access-date=January 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022819/http://www.panthers.com/common/article.aspx?id=16552 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Because of Davidson's hiring in Carolina, the Browns hired ] as the team's new offensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6414|title=Chudzinski named O-coordinator|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011123437/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6414 |archive-date = October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team has also hired ] as the team's new special teams coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6440|title=Daisher named special teams coordinator|access-date=January 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206025903/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6440 |archive-date = February 6, 2007}}</ref> The Cleveland Browns’ offense was marred by bad play calling throughout the early stages of ], forcing the resignation of the team's offensive coordinator, ], on October 24, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5953|title=Carthon resigns|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008053404/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5953 |archive-date = October 8, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following Carthon's resignation, head coach ] hired assistant head coach and offensive line coach ] as the team's offensive coordinator for the remainder of the 2006 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5957|title=Davidson will call plays|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008053232/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=5957 |archive-date = October 8, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the Browns lost Davidson to ], where he was hired to serve as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panthers.com/common/article.aspx?id=16552 |title=Davidson named offensive coordinator |access-date=January 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022819/http://www.panthers.com/common/article.aspx?id=16552 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Because of Davidson's hiring in Carolina, the Browns hired ] as the team's new offensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6414|title=Chudzinski named O-coordinator|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011123437/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6414 |archive-date = October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team has also hired ] as the team's new special teams coordinator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6440|title=Daisher named special teams coordinator|access-date=January 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206025903/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6440 |archive-date = February 6, 2007}}</ref>


Other coaching staff changes made by the Browns in the 2007 off-season include the hiring of Steve Marshall as the offensive line coach;<ref name=Marshall>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6436|title=Browns hire three coaches|access-date=January 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206021956/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6436 |archive-date = February 6, 2007}}</ref> ] as the strength-and-conditioning coach;<ref name="Marshall" /> ] as the assistant strength-and-conditioning coach;<ref name="Marshall" /> ] as the senior offensive assistant coach;<ref name=Atkins>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6432|title=Browns announce staff changes|access-date=January 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206070536/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6432 |archive-date = February 6, 2007}}</ref> ] as the running backs coach;<ref name="Atkins" /> ] as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach;<ref name="Atkins" /> and ] as the tight ends coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6421|title=Roberts named tight ends coach|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011612/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6421 |archive-date = September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other coaching staff changes made by the Browns in the 2007 off-season include the hiring of Steve Marshall as the offensive line coach;<ref name=Marshall>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6436|title=Browns hire three coaches|access-date=January 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206021956/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6436 |archive-date = February 6, 2007}}</ref> ] as the strength-and-conditioning coach;<ref name="Marshall" /> ] as the assistant strength-and-conditioning coach;<ref name="Marshall" /> ] as the senior offensive assistant coach;<ref name=Atkins>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6432|title=Browns announce staff changes|access-date=January 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206070536/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6432 |archive-date = February 6, 2007}}</ref> ] as the running backs coach;<ref name="Atkins" /> ] as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach;<ref name="Atkins" /> and ] as the tight ends coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6421|title=Roberts named tight ends coach|access-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011612/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6421 |archive-date = September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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=== Roster changes === === Roster changes ===
The Cleveland Browns had one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of movement in the ]. Beginning on March 3, 2007, the Browns signed former ] ] ] to a seven-year contract<ref name="Steinbach1" /><ref name="Steinbach2" /> and former ] ] ] to a three-year contract;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6536|title=Browns sign Peek to 3-year deal|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070315075112/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6536 |archive-date = March 15, 2007}}</ref> the team also resigned ] ] to a four-year contract,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6530|title=Comfortable Fraley re-signs|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070315075001/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6530 |archive-date = March 15, 2007}}</ref> fearing that center ]'s 2006 season-ending knee injury may also be a career-ending injury. The Cleveland Browns had one of the busiest offseasons in terms of movement in the ]. Beginning on March 3, 2007, the Browns signed former ] guard ] to a seven-year contract<ref name="Steinbach1" /><ref name="Steinbach2" /> and former ] ] ] to a three-year contract;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6536|title=Browns sign Peek to 3-year deal|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070315075112/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6536 |archive-date = March 15, 2007}}</ref> the team also resigned ] ] to a four-year contract,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6530|title=Comfortable Fraley re-signs|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070315075001/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6530 |archive-date = March 15, 2007}}</ref> fearing that center ]'s 2006 season-ending knee injury may also be a career-ending injury.


The following day, March 4, the Browns signed former ] ] ] to a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6538|title=Wright signs three-year deal|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070307075546/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6538 |archive-date = March 7, 2007}}</ref> One day later, on March 5, the Browns lost ] and ] ] to ] under the terms of a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=5880|title=Northcutt OK with role|access-date=March 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070307083220/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=5880|archive-date=March 7, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The following day, March 4, the Browns signed former ] ] ] to a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6538|title=Wright signs three-year deal|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070307075546/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6538 |archive-date = March 7, 2007}}</ref> One day later, on March 5, the Browns lost ] and ] ] to ] under the terms of a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=5880|title=Northcutt OK with role|access-date=March 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070307083220/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=5880|archive-date=March 7, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


On March 8, the team signed former ] ] ] to a one-year contract,<ref name="Lewis" /> bolstering the team's lackluster running game. Because of Lewis’ signing, running back ] had been made expendable,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2792159|title=Droughns latest tailback on trade market|access-date=March 8, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070311204516/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2792159| archive-date=March 11, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> and was subsequently traded to ] for wide receiver ] on March 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6558|title=Droughns traded to Giants for WR Carter|access-date=March 9, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311214540/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6558 |archive-date = March 11, 2007}}</ref> On March 8, the team signed former ] ] ] to a one-year contract,<ref name="Lewis" /> bolstering the team's lackluster running game. Because of Lewis’ signing, running back ] had been made expendable,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2792159|title=Droughns latest tailback on trade market|access-date=March 8, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070311204516/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2792159| archive-date=March 11, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> and was subsequently traded to ] for wide receiver ] on March 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6558|title=Droughns traded to Giants for WR Carter|access-date=March 9, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311214540/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6558 |archive-date = March 11, 2007}}</ref>


Also on March 9, the Browns terminated the contract of veteran cornerback ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6557|title=Long-time Brown McCutcheon released|access-date=March 10, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311220049/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6557 |archive-date = March 11, 2007}}</ref> citing that he failed a physical, and lost ] ] to ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2793525|title=Seahawks reach an agreement with Browns' Russell|access-date=March 13, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070312121924/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2793525| archive-date=March 12, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> though the terms of Russell's deal were not disclosed. Also on March 9, the Browns terminated the contract of veteran cornerback ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6557|title=Long-time Brown McCutcheon released|access-date=March 10, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311220049/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6557 |archive-date = March 11, 2007}}</ref> citing that he failed a physical, and lost ] ] to ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2793525|title=Seahawks reach an agreement with Browns' Russell|access-date=March 13, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070312121924/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2793525| archive-date=March 12, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> though the terms of Russell's deal were not disclosed.


Nearly a week later, on March 14, the Browns terminated the contract of ] ], prior to having to pay Smith a due roster bonus;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6572|title=Browns release Terrelle Smith|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070319182504/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6572 |archive-date = March 19, 2007}}</ref><ref name=Smith>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10060644|title=Browns sign OL McKinney, cut FB Smith|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070317193444/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10060644 |archive-date = March 17, 2007}}</ref> the team also signed former ] offensive guard ] to a one-year contract<ref name="Smith" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6573|title=Browns sign McKinney to 1-year deal|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070317192805/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6573 |archive-date = March 17, 2007}}</ref> and former ] ] ] to a four-year contract.<ref name="RobaireSmith" /> On March 16, the Browns signed former Bengals ] ] to a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6578|title=Browns sign Shaun Smith|access-date=March 16, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070319182714/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6578 |archive-date = March 19, 2007}}</ref> Four days later, on March 20, the team re-signed offensive guard ] to a one-year contract;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6587|title=Friedman signed to 1-year deal|access-date=March 20, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010459/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6587 |archive-date = September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> the team also lost defensive end ] to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=6643|title=McKinley Signs Four-Year Deal|access-date=March 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609182926/http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=6643|archive-date=June 9, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Nearly a week later, on March 14, the Browns terminated the contract of ] ], prior to having to pay Smith a due roster bonus;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6572|title=Browns release Terrelle Smith|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070319182504/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6572 |archive-date = March 19, 2007}}</ref><ref name=Smith>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10060644|title=Browns sign OL McKinney, cut FB Smith|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070317193444/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10060644 |archive-date = March 17, 2007}}</ref> the team also signed former ] offensive guard ] to a one-year contract<ref name="Smith" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6573|title=Browns sign McKinney to 1-year deal|access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070317192805/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6573 |archive-date = March 17, 2007}}</ref> and former ] ] ] to a four-year contract.<ref name="RobaireSmith" /> On March 16, the Browns signed former Bengals ] ] to a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6578|title=Browns sign Shaun Smith|access-date=March 16, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070319182714/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6578 |archive-date = March 19, 2007}}</ref> Four days later, on March 20, the team re-signed offensive guard ] to a one-year contract;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6587|title=Friedman signed to 1-year deal|access-date=March 20, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010459/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6587 |archive-date = September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> the team also lost defensive end ] to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=6643|title=McKinley Signs Four-Year Deal|access-date=March 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609182926/http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=6643|archive-date=June 9, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


On March 29, it was revealed that Browns general manager ] entered into talks with ] general manager ] regarding their veteran ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10097780|title=Browns check with Chiefs about QB Green|access-date=March 31, 2007}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> However, Green was instead traded to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/10215971|title=Dolphins finally complete trade for QB Green|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070710022937/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/10215971 |archive-date = July 10, 2007}}</ref> On March 29, it was revealed that Browns general manager ] entered into talks with ] general manager ] regarding their veteran ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10097780|title=Browns check with Chiefs about QB Green|access-date=March 31, 2007}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} </ref> However, Green was instead traded to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/10215971|title=Dolphins finally complete trade for QB Green|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070710022937/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/10215971 |archive-date = July 10, 2007}}</ref>


On April 2, the team signed former ] safety ] to a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6632|title=Browns sign safety Mike Adams|access-date=April 2, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070509021115/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6632 |archive-date = May 9, 2007}}</ref> On April 14, the Browns re-signed veteran ] ] to a four-year contract extension,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6676|title=Heiden signs 4-year extension|access-date=April 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070418034724/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6676 |archive-date = April 18, 2007}}</ref> though terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 16, the Browns signed former Ravens fullback ] to a one-year contract,<ref name=Ricard>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6681|title=Browns sign Ricard, Krause|access-date=April 17, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070419014214/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6681 |archive-date = April 19, 2007}}</ref> though terms of his deal were not disclosed; the team also formally announced the signing of former ] ] ], though the date he was signed and the terms of his deal were not disclosed.<ref name="Ricard" /> On April 19, the Browns re-signed defensive tackle ] to the terms of a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6692|title=Browns sign Kelley|access-date=April 19, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070423123527/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6692 |archive-date = April 23, 2007}}</ref> On April 2, the team signed former ] safety ] to a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6632|title=Browns sign safety Mike Adams|access-date=April 2, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070509021115/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6632 |archive-date = May 9, 2007}}</ref> On April 14, the Browns re-signed veteran ] ] to a four-year contract extension,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6676|title=Heiden signs 4-year extension|access-date=April 14, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070418034724/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6676 |archive-date = April 18, 2007}}</ref> though terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 16, the Browns signed former Ravens fullback ] to a one-year contract,<ref name=Ricard>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6681|title=Browns sign Ricard, Krause|access-date=April 17, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070419014214/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6681 |archive-date = April 19, 2007}}</ref> though terms of his deal were not disclosed; the team also formally announced the signing of former ] ] ], though the date he was signed and the terms of his deal were not disclosed.<ref name="Ricard" /> On April 19, the Browns re-signed defensive tackle ] to the terms of a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6692|title=Browns sign Kelley|access-date=April 19, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070423123527/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6692 |archive-date = April 23, 2007}}</ref>


On April 25, the Browns resigned free agents ] and ] each to one-year contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6717|title=Fraser, Unck sign 1-year deals|access-date=April 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008054358/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6717 |archive-date = October 8, 2007}}</ref> On April 27, the Browns resigned free agent offensive lineman ] to a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6728|title=Nat Dorsey signed to 1-year deal|access-date=April 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070430062355/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6728 |archive-date = April 30, 2007}}</ref> On May 2, the team waived offensive lineman ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2857757|title=Browns part with Andruzzi after two seasons|access-date=May 2, 2007}}</ref> Following his release, Andruzzi was hospitalized with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10206385|title=Guard Andruzzi hospitalized with lymphoma|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070703232850/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10206385 |archive-date = July 3, 2007}}</ref> The Browns release a statement wishing Andruzzi well,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6841|title=Statement on Joe Andruzzi|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010070308/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6841 |archive-date = October 10, 2007}}</ref> though it is not known whether his ailment is the reason the Browns released Andruzzi. On April 25, the Browns resigned free agents ] and ] each to one-year contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6717|title=Fraser, Unck sign 1-year deals|access-date=April 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008054358/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6717 |archive-date = October 8, 2007}}</ref> On April 27, the Browns resigned free agent offensive lineman ] to a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6728|title=Nat Dorsey signed to 1-year deal|access-date=April 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070430062355/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6728 |archive-date = April 30, 2007}}</ref> On May 2, the team waived offensive lineman ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2857757|title=Browns part with Andruzzi after two seasons|access-date=May 2, 2007}}</ref> Following his release, Andruzzi was hospitalized with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10206385|title=Guard Andruzzi hospitalized with lymphoma|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070703232850/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10206385 |archive-date = July 3, 2007}}</ref> The Browns release a statement wishing Andruzzi well,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6841|title=Statement on Joe Andruzzi|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010070308/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6841 |archive-date = October 10, 2007}}</ref> though it is not known whether his ailment is the reason the Browns released Andruzzi.


On May 3, the Browns announced the signings of nine ].<ref name=UDR>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6774|title=Browns sign 9 undrafted rookies|access-date=May 3, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070505051624/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6774 |archive-date = May 5, 2007}}</ref> Those players are: Jesse Ainsworth, a ] from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a fullback from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a linebacker from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], an offensive lineman from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a linebacker from ];<ref name="UDR" /> Mike Mason, a ] from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a halfback from ];<ref name="UDR" /> Brent Pousson, an offensive lineman from ];<ref name="UDR" /> and ], an offensive lineman from ].<ref name="UDR" /> The team also signed three try-out rookies on May 8, signing linebacker ], offensive lineman ] and running back ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6793|title=Browns sign 3 tryout rookies|date=June 17, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080314214304/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6793 |archive-date = March 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 3, the Browns announced the signings of nine ].<ref name=UDR>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6774|title=Browns sign 9 undrafted rookies|access-date=May 3, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070505051624/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6774 |archive-date = May 5, 2007}}</ref> Those players are: Jesse Ainsworth, a ] from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a fullback from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a linebacker from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], an offensive lineman from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a linebacker from ];<ref name="UDR" /> Mike Mason, a ] from ];<ref name="UDR" /> ], a halfback from ];<ref name="UDR" /> Brent Pousson, an offensive lineman from ];<ref name="UDR" /> and ], an offensive lineman from ].<ref name="UDR" /> The team also signed three try-out rookies on May 8, signing linebacker ], offensive lineman ] and running back ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6793|title=Browns sign 3 tryout rookies|date=June 17, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080314214304/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6793 |archive-date = March 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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=== 2007 NFL Draft === === 2007 NFL Draft ===
Prior to the ], the Browns were set to utilize either the third pick or fourth pick of the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6371|title=Browns, Bucs will flip for 3rd pick|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070130101335/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6371 |archive-date = January 30, 2007}}</ref> This discrepancy was because the Browns and ] had similar records and strength-of-schedule averages.<ref name=Draft>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9901730|title=NFL Draft Order|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070304202941/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9901730 |archive-date = March 4, 2007}}</ref> After the coin toss, it was determined that the Browns will use the third pick of the draft.<ref name=Draft2>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6480|title=Browns win toss, will pick third|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070305215710/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6480 |archive-date = March 5, 2007}}</ref> The 2007 NFL Draft was held on April 28 and 29, 2007 in New York City.<ref name="Draft" /> Prior to the ], the Browns were set to utilize either the third pick or fourth pick of the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6371|title=Browns, Bucs will flip for 3rd pick|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070130101335/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6371 |archive-date = January 30, 2007}}</ref> This discrepancy was because the Browns and ] had similar records and strength-of-schedule averages.<ref name=Draft>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9901730|title=NFL Draft Order|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070304202941/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9901730 |archive-date = March 4, 2007}}</ref> After the coin toss, it was determined that the Browns will use the third pick of the draft.<ref name=Draft2>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6480|title=Browns win toss, will pick third|access-date=March 6, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070305215710/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6480 |archive-date = March 5, 2007}}</ref> The 2007 NFL Draft was held on April 28 and 29, 2007 in New York City.<ref name="Draft" />
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;" {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|- |-
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|} |}


The Browns selected ] ] ] with the third overall pick of the draft.<ref name="Thomas" /> However, the Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd selection of the draft,<ref name="Quinn" /> following a trade with ],<ref name="Quinn" /> which saw the Browns send their second-round pick of the 2007 draft and their first-round pick of the ] to the Cowboys for their first-round pick at number 22.<ref name="Quinn" /> During the second round of the draft, the Browns made another trade with the Cowboys,<ref name="Wright" /> this time using the selection to pick ] ] ].<ref name="Wright" /> The Browns gave up their third- and fourth-round picks of the draft, and swapped their sixth-round pick with the Cowboys.<ref name="Wright" /> The Browns selected ] ] ] with the third overall pick of the draft.<ref name="Thomas" /> However, the Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd selection of the draft,<ref name="Quinn" /> following a trade with ],<ref name="Quinn" /> which saw the Browns send their second-round pick of the 2007 draft and their first-round pick of the ] to the Cowboys for their first-round pick at number 22.<ref name="Quinn" /> During the second round of the draft, the Browns made another trade with the Cowboys,<ref name="Wright" /> this time using the selection to pick ] ] ].<ref name="Wright" /> The Browns gave up their third- and fourth-round picks of the draft, and swapped their sixth-round pick with the Cowboys.<ref name="Wright" />


On the second day of the draft, the Browns looked to fill holes left by departing players through free agency. In the fifth round, the Browns drafted ] cornerback ];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6753|title=Modesty is McDonald's policy|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010449/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6753 |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> in the sixth round, the Browns drafted ] ] ];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6755|title=Browns pick DL Melila Purcell|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011802/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6755 |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> and in the seventh round, the Browns drafted ] defensive end ]<ref name=SeventhRound>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6757|title=Browns end with Pittman, Steptoe|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012155825/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6757 |archive-date = October 12, 2007}}</ref> and ] ] ].<ref name="SeventhRound" /> On the second day of the draft, the Browns looked to fill holes left by departing players through free agency. In the fifth round, the Browns drafted ] cornerback ];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6753|title=Modesty is McDonald's policy|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010449/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6753 |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> in the sixth round, the Browns drafted ] ] ];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6755|title=Browns pick DL Melila Purcell|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011802/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6755 |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> and in the seventh round, the Browns drafted ] defensive end ]<ref name=SeventhRound>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6757|title=Browns end with Pittman, Steptoe|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012155825/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6757 |archive-date = October 12, 2007}}</ref> and ] ] ].<ref name="SeventhRound" />
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On July 18, the Browns signed the first of their seven draft picks, signing Pittman to a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6938|title=Pittman becomes first draftee to sign|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008054308/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6938 |archive-date = October 8, 2007}}</ref> On July 22, the Browns signed three more draft picks, this time signing McDonald, Purcell and Steptoe each to four-year contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6949|title=Day Two picks under contract|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010065805/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6949 |archive-date = October 10, 2007}}</ref> Steptoe is likely to compete to be the team's starting punt-returner heading into the 2007 season.<ref name="SeventhRound" /> On July 26, the Browns signed Thomas to a six-year contract (voidable after five years)<ref name=ThomasWright>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6969|title=Thomas, Wright agree to terms|access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011124735/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6969 |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref> and Wright to a four-year contract.<ref name="ThomasWright" /> Thomas and Wright will look to battle to become the starters at left tackle and cornerback respectively.<ref name="ThomasWright" /> On July 18, the Browns signed the first of their seven draft picks, signing Pittman to a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6938|title=Pittman becomes first draftee to sign|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071008054308/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6938 |archive-date = October 8, 2007}}</ref> On July 22, the Browns signed three more draft picks, this time signing McDonald, Purcell and Steptoe each to four-year contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6949|title=Day Two picks under contract|access-date=July 23, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010065805/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6949 |archive-date = October 10, 2007}}</ref> Steptoe is likely to compete to be the team's starting punt-returner heading into the 2007 season.<ref name="SeventhRound" /> On July 26, the Browns signed Thomas to a six-year contract (voidable after five years)<ref name=ThomasWright>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6969|title=Thomas, Wright agree to terms|access-date=July 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011124735/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6969 |archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref> and Wright to a four-year contract.<ref name="ThomasWright" /> Thomas and Wright will look to battle to become the starters at left tackle and cornerback respectively.<ref name="ThomasWright" />


Until August 7, the Browns and Brady Quinn could not agree on a contract, and the quarterback missed nearly two weeks of training camp. The parties then agreed, in principle,<ref name=Browns_sign_Quinn_to_5-year_deal>{{cite web|author=Jackson, Zac|date=August 7, 2007|title=Browns sign Quinn to 5-year deal|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=7052|publisher=clevelandbrowns.com|access-date=August 8, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011424/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=7052 |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> to a contract. Hours later, the team and Quinn finalized the contract, and Quinn signed with the team under the terms of a five-year contract.<ref name="Browns_sign_Quinn_to_5-year_deal" /> The contract is worth $20 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quinn, Browns agree on five year, $20M contract|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2964653|publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 8, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070813112927/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2964653| archive-date=August 13, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> Until August 7, the Browns and Brady Quinn could not agree on a contract, and the quarterback missed nearly two weeks of training camp. The parties then agreed, in principle,<ref name=Browns_sign_Quinn_to_5-year_deal>{{cite web|author=Jackson, Zac|date=August 7, 2007|title=Browns sign Quinn to 5-year deal|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=7052|publisher=clevelandbrowns.com|access-date=August 8, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011424/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=7052 |archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref> to a contract. Hours later, the team and Quinn finalized the contract, and Quinn signed with the team under the terms of a five-year contract.<ref name="Browns_sign_Quinn_to_5-year_deal" /> The contract is worth $20 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quinn, Browns agree on five year, $20M contract|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2964653|publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 8, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070813112927/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2964653| archive-date=August 13, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>


==Coaching Staff== ==Coaching Staff==
Line 134: Line 135:


'''Strength and conditioning''' '''Strength and conditioning'''
* Head strength and conditioning – ] * Head strength and conditioning – ]
* Assistant strength and conditioning – ] * Assistant strength and conditioning – ]
|} |}
Line 142: Line 143:
|Year=2007 |Year=2007
|TeamName=Cleveland Browns |TeamName=Cleveland Browns
|Active=54 |Active=53
|Inactive=12 |Inactive=10
|PS=8 |PS=8


Line 154: Line 155:
* {{player|41}} '']'' FB * {{player|41}} '']'' FB
* {{player|35}} ] * {{player|35}} ]
* {{player|31}} ] * {{player|31}} ]
* {{player|47}} ] FB * {{player|47}} ] FB
* {{player|29}} ] * {{player|29}} ]
Line 206: Line 207:
* {{player|39}} ] CB * {{player|39}} ] CB
* {{player|26}} ] SS * {{player|26}} ] SS
* {{player|22}} '']'' CB * {{player|22}} '']'' CB
* {{player|21}} ] FS * {{player|21}} ] FS
* {{player|27}} ] SS * {{player|27}} ] SS
* {{player|24}} '']'' CB * {{player|24}} '']'' CB
* {{player|25}} ] CB * {{player|25}} ] CB


Line 218: Line 219:


|Reserve Lists= |Reserve Lists=
* {{player|20}} ] FS <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|20}} ] S <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|13}} ] P <small>(NFLE NF-Inj.)</small> ] * {{player|23}} ] CB <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|23}} ] SS/CB <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|57}} ] C <small>(PUP)</small> ]
* {{player|57}} ] C <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|53}} ] LB <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|53}} ] ILB <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|&nbsp;5}} ] WR <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|&nbsp;5}} ] WR <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|78}} ] NT <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|78}} ] NT <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|68}} ] G/C <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|68}} ] G <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|37}} ] FS <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|--}} ] S <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|73}} Alvin Smith NT <small>(NFLE NF-Inj.)</small> ] * {{player|52}} ] LB <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|52}} ] OLB <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|92}} ] NT <small>(IR)</small> ] * {{player|92}} ] NT <small>(IR)</small> ]


Line 478: Line 477:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*PIT – ] – 27 rushes, 109 yards *PIT – ] – 27 rushes, 109 yards
*CLE – ] – 11 rushes, 35 yards *CLE – ] – 11 rushes, 35 yards
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*PIT – ] – 2 receptions, 55 yards, TD *PIT – ] – 2 receptions, 55 yards, TD
Line 522: Line 521:
* CLE – ] 34-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), ''Browns 34–24. '''Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:52.''''' * CLE – ] 34-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), ''Browns 34–24. '''Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:52.'''''
* CIN – Chad Johnson 14-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), ''Browns 34–31. '''Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:06.''''' * CIN – Chad Johnson 14-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), ''Browns 34–31. '''Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:06.'''''
* CLE – ] 66-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), ''Browns 41–31. '''Drive: 1 play, 66 yards, 0:17.''''' * CLE – ] 66-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), ''Browns 41–31. '''Drive: 1 play, 66 yards, 0:17.'''''
* CIN – T. J. Houshmandzadeh 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), ''Browns 41–38. '''Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:05.''''' * CIN – T. J. Houshmandzadeh 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), ''Browns 41–38. '''Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:05.'''''
;'''Fourth quarter''' ;'''Fourth quarter'''
Line 534: Line 533:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CIN – ] – 23 rushes, 118 yards *CIN – ] – 23 rushes, 118 yards
*CLE – ] – 27 rushes, 216 yards, TD *CLE – ] – 27 rushes, 216 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*CIN – ] – 11 receptions, 209 yards, 2 TD *CIN – ] – 11 receptions, 209 yards, 2 TD
Line 581: Line 580:
*OAK – ] – 8/14, 118 yards *OAK – ] – 8/14, 118 yards
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CLE – ] – 15 rushes, 56 yards *CLE – ] – 15 rushes, 56 yards
*OAK – ] – 29 rushes, 121 yards, TD *OAK – ] – 29 rushes, 121 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
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*BAL – ] 21-yard field goal, 12:45. ''Browns 14–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:27.''''' *BAL – ] 21-yard field goal, 12:45. ''Browns 14–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:27.'''''
*CLE – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal, 9:17. ''Browns 17–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:28.''''' *CLE – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal, 9:17. ''Browns 17–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:28.'''''
*CLE – ] 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 4:52. ''Browns 24–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:18.''''' *CLE – ] 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 4:52. ''Browns 24–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:18.'''''
*BAL – Matt Stover 29-yard field goal, 0:52. ''Browns 24–6. '''Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:00.''''' *BAL – Matt Stover 29-yard field goal, 0:52. ''Browns 24–6. '''Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:00.'''''
'''Third quarter''' '''Third quarter'''
Line 628: Line 627:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*BAL – ] – 14 rushes, 104 yards *BAL – ] – 14 rushes, 104 yards
*CLE – ] – 23 rushes, 64 yards, TD *CLE – ] – 23 rushes, 64 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*BAL – ] – 10 receptions, 78 yards *BAL – ] – 10 receptions, 78 yards
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*STL – ] – 24/36, 310 yards, TD, INT *STL – ] – 24/36, 310 yards, TD, INT
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CLE – ] – 17 rushes, 61 yards *CLE – ] – 17 rushes, 61 yards
*STL – ] – 8 rushes, 41 yards, TD *STL – ] – 8 rushes, 41 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
Line 805: Line 804:
*SEA – ] 5-yard pass from ] (] kick), 5:13. ''Seahawks 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:12.''''' *SEA – ] 5-yard pass from ] (] kick), 5:13. ''Seahawks 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:12.'''''
'''Second quarter''' '''Second quarter'''
*CLE – ] 2-yard run (kick failed), 12:49. ''Seahawks 7–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:58.''''' *CLE – ] 2-yard run (kick failed), 12:49. ''Seahawks 7–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:58.'''''
*SEA – ] 6-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 6:23. ''Seahawks 14–6. '''Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:26.''''' *SEA – ] 6-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 6:23. ''Seahawks 14–6. '''Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:26.'''''
*SEA – ] 94-yard punt return (Josh Brown kick), 3:49. ''Seahawks 21–6.'' *SEA – ] 94-yard punt return (Josh Brown kick), 3:49. ''Seahawks 21–6.''
Line 825: Line 824:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*SEA – ] – 9 rushes, 55 yards *SEA – ] – 9 rushes, 55 yards
*CLE – ] – 20 rushes, 37 yards, 4 TD *CLE – ] – 20 rushes, 37 yards, 4 TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*SEA – ] – 14 receptions, 139 yards, TD *SEA – ] – 14 receptions, 139 yards, TD
Line 872: Line 871:
*PIT – ] – 23/34, 278 yards, 2 TD, INT *PIT – ] – 23/34, 278 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CLE – ] – 16 rushes, 35 yards *CLE – ] – 16 rushes, 35 yards
*PIT – ] – 25 rushes, 105 yards *PIT – ] – 25 rushes, 105 yards
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
Line 898: Line 897:
*CLE – ] 28-yard field goal, 2:34. ''Browns 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 2:13.''''' *CLE – ] 28-yard field goal, 2:34. ''Browns 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 2:13.'''''
'''Second quarter''' '''Second quarter'''
*CLE – ] 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 12:23. ''Browns 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:56.''''' *CLE – ] 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 12:23. ''Browns 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:56.'''''
*BAL – ] 35-yard interception return (] kick), 8:47. ''Browns 10–7.'' *BAL – ] 35-yard interception return (] kick), 8:47. ''Browns 10–7.''
*CLE – Phil Dawson 39-yard field goal, 2:34. ''Browns 13–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 21 yards, 7:06.''''' *CLE – Phil Dawson 39-yard field goal, 2:34. ''Browns 13–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 21 yards, 7:06.'''''
Line 918: Line 917:
*BAL – ] – 22/41, 279 yards, TD, 2 INT *BAL – ] – 22/41, 279 yards, TD, 2 INT
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CLE – ] – 22 rushes, 92 yards, TD *CLE – ] – 22 rushes, 92 yards, TD
*BAL – ] – 21 rushes, 102 yards, TD *BAL – ] – 21 rushes, 102 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
Line 951: Line 950:
'''Fourth quarter''' '''Fourth quarter'''
*CLE – Phil Dawson 27-yard field goal, 8:35. ''Browns 20–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:51.''''' *CLE – Phil Dawson 27-yard field goal, 8:35. ''Browns 20–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:51.'''''
*CLE – ] 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 5:48. ''Browns 27–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:59.''''' *CLE – ] 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 5:48. ''Browns 27–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:59.'''''
*HOU – ] 6-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Kris Brown kick), 3:12. ''Browns 27–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:36.''''' *HOU – ] 6-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Kris Brown kick), 3:12. ''Browns 27–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:36.'''''
|stats= |stats=
Line 959: Line 958:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*HOU – ] – 16 rushes, 78 yards *HOU – ] – 16 rushes, 78 yards
*CLE – ] – 29 rushes, 134 yards, TD *CLE – ] – 29 rushes, 134 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*HOU – ] – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD *HOU – ] – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD
Line 990: Line 989:
*CLE – ] 37-yard field goal, 1:41. ''Cardinals 14–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:18.''''' *CLE – ] 37-yard field goal, 1:41. ''Cardinals 14–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:18.'''''
'''Second quarter''' '''Second quarter'''
*CLE – ] 6-yard pass from ] (Phil Dawson kick), 1:14. ''Cardinals 14–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:01.''''' *CLE – ] 6-yard pass from ] (Phil Dawson kick), 1:14. ''Cardinals 14–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:01.'''''
'''Third quarter''' '''Third quarter'''
*ARI – ] 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick), 0:43. ''Cardinals 21–10. '''Drive: 15 plays, 46 yards, 3:03.''''' *ARI – ] 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick), 0:43. ''Cardinals 21–10. '''Drive: 15 plays, 46 yards, 3:03.'''''
Line 1,003: Line 1,002:
* ARI – ] – 18/30, 169 yards, 2 TD, INT * ARI – ] – 18/30, 169 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
* CLE – ] – 16 rushes, 62 yards * CLE – ] – 16 rushes, 62 yards
* ARI – ] – 24 rushes, 114 yards * ARI – ] – 24 rushes, 114 yards
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
Line 1,035: Line 1,034:
*''No scoring plays'' *''No scoring plays''
'''Second quarter''' '''Second quarter'''
*CLE – ] 7-yard pass from ] (] kick), 1:15. ''Browns 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:54.''''' *CLE – ] 7-yard pass from ] (] kick), 1:15. ''Browns 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:54.'''''
*NYJ – ] 35-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Browns 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 1:15.''''' *NYJ – ] 35-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Browns 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 1:15.'''''
'''Third quarter''' '''Third quarter'''
Line 1,051: Line 1,050:
*NYJ – ] – 24/41, 286 yards, 2 INT *NYJ – ] – 24/41, 286 yards, 2 INT
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CLE – ] – 21 rushes, 118 yards, TD *CLE – ] – 21 rushes, 118 yards, TD
*NYJ – ] – 24 rushes, 106 yards *NYJ – ] – 24 rushes, 106 yards
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
Line 1,095: Line 1,094:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*BUF – ] – 21 carries, 82 yards *BUF – ] – 21 carries, 82 yards
*CLE – ] – 33 rushes, 163 yards *CLE – ] – 33 rushes, 163 yards
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*BUF – ] – 4 receptions, 36 yards *BUF – ] – 4 receptions, 36 yards
Line 1,140: Line 1,139:
*CIN – ] – 11/21, 115 yards, TD, 2 INT *CIN – ] – 11/21, 115 yards, TD, 2 INT
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*CLE – ] – 21 rushes, 92 yards *CLE – ] – 21 rushes, 92 yards
*CIN – ] – 30 rushes, 130 yards, TD *CIN – ] – 30 rushes, 130 yards, TD
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
Line 1,188: Line 1,187:
'''Top rushers''' '''Top rushers'''
*SF – ] – 23 rushes, 94 yards *SF – ] – 23 rushes, 94 yards
*CLE – ] – 26 rushes, 128 yards *CLE – ] – 26 rushes, 128 yards
'''Top receivers''' '''Top receivers'''
*SF – ] – 3 receptions, 28 yards, TD *SF – ] – 3 receptions, 28 yards, TD
*CLE – ] – 3 receptions, 67 yards, TD *CLE – ] – 3 receptions, 67 yards, TD
}} }}
With the win, the Browns finished the season at 10–6 for the team's first ten win season since being reactivated in ] and first since ]. However, the Browns would be eliminated from postseason contention later in the day when the ] defeated the ] to secure the AFC's last wild card spot. The Titans, who also finished 10–6, won the tiebreaker over the Browns due to having a better record against common opponents.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=]|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271230005|title=Browns finish surprising season at 10-6|date=December 30, 2007|accessdate=September 20, 2021}}</ref> This would be Cleveland's last winning season until ]. With the win, the Browns finished the season at 10–6 for the team's first ten win season since being reactivated in ] and first since ]. However, the Browns would be eliminated from postseason contention later in the day when the ] defeated the ] to secure the AFC's last wild card spot. The Titans, who also finished 10–6, won the tiebreaker over the Browns due to having a better record against common opponents.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=]|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271230005|title=Browns finish surprising season at 10-6|date=December 30, 2007|accessdate=September 20, 2021}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> This would be Cleveland's last winning season until ].


== 2008 Pro Bowl == == 2008 Pro Bowl ==

Latest revision as of 07:14, 7 December 2024

59th season in franchise history; last winning season until 2020

2007 Cleveland Browns season
OwnerRandy Lerner
General managerPhil Savage
Head coachRomeo Crennel
Home fieldCleveland Browns Stadium
Local radio
Results
Record10–6
Division place2nd AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersOT Joe Thomas
TE Kellen Winslow II
QB Derek Anderson
WR Braylon Edwards
KR Joshua Cribbs
LS Ryan Pontbriand
Uniform
Jamal Lewis rushes during Cleveland's 33-30 OT win at Baltimore, week 11

The 2007 Cleveland Browns season was the franchise's 59th season as a professional sports franchise and its 55th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL). The season began with the Browns attempting to improve upon their 4–12 record from the 2006 season, in which the team finished in fourth place in the AFC North. The Browns also attempted to overcome the many injuries that plagued the team throughout the 2006 season. The Browns remained under the supervision of head coach Romeo Crennel and they played all of their home games in Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

During the 2007 NFL draft, the Browns selected Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall selection. The Browns were also able to draft Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn with the 22nd overall selection, after completing a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, which saw the Browns send their second-round pick in the 2007 draft, along with their first round pick in the 2008 NFL draft, to the Cowboys for their first round selection at number 22. The Browns completed their first day draft by selecting UNLV cornerback Eric Wright, following another trade with Dallas, which saw the Browns giving up their third- and fourth-round picks in the 2007 draft and swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.

During the offseason, the Browns signed key free agents Eric Steinbach (Cincinnati, guard), Jamal Lewis (Baltimore, running back), and Robaire Smith (Tennessee, defensive end).

The Browns ultimately finished the season with a 10–6 record but nevertheless failed to qualify for the playoffs. They were beaten for the division title on a tiebreaker by the Pittsburgh Steelers and lost another tiebreaker for a wildcard berth to the Tennessee Titans. The team finished the season having scored 402 points with 5,621 yards of total offense, both 8th best in the NFL; however, the defense allowed 382 points (21st best) and gave up 5,753 yards (30th best).

As of January 3, 2021, this remains the second-best record and the second of four winning seasons the Browns have had since returning to the NFL in 1999. This was the Browns’ last winning season until 2020.

Offseason

Coaching staff changes

The Cleveland Browns’ offense was marred by bad play calling throughout the early stages of the 2006 season, forcing the resignation of the team's offensive coordinator, Maurice Carthon, on October 24, 2006. Following Carthon's resignation, head coach Romeo Crennel hired assistant head coach and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson as the team's offensive coordinator for the remainder of the 2006 season. However, the Browns lost Davidson to the Carolina Panthers, where he was hired to serve as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator. Because of Davidson's hiring in Carolina, the Browns hired Rob Chudzinski as the team's new offensive coordinator. The team has also hired Ted Daisher as the team's new special teams coordinator.

Other coaching staff changes made by the Browns in the 2007 off-season include the hiring of Steve Marshall as the offensive line coach; Tom Myslinski as the strength-and-conditioning coach; Alan DeGennaro as the assistant strength-and-conditioning coach; Dave Atkins as the senior offensive assistant coach; Anthony Lynn as the running backs coach; Rip Scherer as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach; and Alfredo Roberts as the tight ends coach.

On June 14, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's contract was extended by two years, allowing him to remain with the Browns through the 2009 season.

Roster changes

The Cleveland Browns had one of the busiest offseasons in terms of movement in the NFL. Beginning on March 3, 2007, the Browns signed former Cincinnati Bengals guard Eric Steinbach to a seven-year contract and former Houston Texans outside linebacker Antwan Peek to a three-year contract; the team also resigned center Hank Fraley to a four-year contract, fearing that center LeCharles Bentley's 2006 season-ending knee injury may also be a career-ending injury.

The following day, March 4, the Browns signed former Washington Redskins cornerback Kenny Wright to a three-year contract. One day later, on March 5, the Browns lost wide receiver and punt returner Dennis Northcutt to the Jacksonville Jaguars under the terms of a five-year contract.

On March 8, the team signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract, bolstering the team's lackluster running game. Because of Lewis’ signing, running back Reuben Droughns had been made expendable, and was subsequently traded to the New York Giants for wide receiver Tim Carter on March 9.

Also on March 9, the Browns terminated the contract of veteran cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, citing that he failed a physical, and lost safety Brian Russell to the Seattle Seahawks, though the terms of Russell's deal were not disclosed.

Nearly a week later, on March 14, the Browns terminated the contract of fullback Terrelle Smith, prior to having to pay Smith a due roster bonus; the team also signed former Miami Dolphins offensive guard Seth McKinney to a one-year contract and former Tennessee Titans defensive end Robaire Smith to a four-year contract. On March 16, the Browns signed former Bengals defensive tackle Shaun Smith to a four-year contract. Four days later, on March 20, the team re-signed offensive guard Lennie Friedman to a one-year contract; the team also lost defensive end Alvin McKinley to the Denver Broncos.

On March 29, it was revealed that Browns general manager Phil Savage entered into talks with Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson regarding their veteran quarterback, Trent Green. However, Green was instead traded to the Miami Dolphins.

On April 2, the team signed former San Francisco 49ers safety Mike Adams to a two-year contract. On April 14, the Browns re-signed veteran tight end Steve Heiden to a four-year contract extension, though terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 16, the Browns signed former Ravens fullback Alan Ricard to a one-year contract, though terms of his deal were not disclosed; the team also formally announced the signing of former San Diego Chargers tight end Ryan Krause, though the date he was signed and the terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 19, the Browns re-signed defensive tackle Ethan Kelley to the terms of a one-year contract.

On April 25, the Browns resigned free agents Simon Fraser and Mason Unck each to one-year contracts. On April 27, the Browns resigned free agent offensive lineman Nat Dorsey to a one-year contract. On May 2, the team waived offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi. Following his release, Andruzzi was hospitalized with lymphoma. The Browns release a statement wishing Andruzzi well, though it is not known whether his ailment is the reason the Browns released Andruzzi.

On May 3, the Browns announced the signings of nine undrafted free agents. Those players are: Jesse Ainsworth, a placekicker from Arizona State; Charles Ali, a fullback from Arkansas (Pine Bluff); Mike Alston, a linebacker from Toledo; Rick Drushal, an offensive lineman from Wooster; Hunter Funtaine, a linebacker from Vanderbilt; Mike Mason, a wide receiver from Tennessee State; Tyrone Moss, a halfback from Miami (Florida); Brent Pousson, an offensive lineman from McNeese State; and Scott Stephenson, an offensive lineman from Iowa State. The team also signed three try-out rookies on May 8, signing linebacker Kevin Sears, offensive lineman Cliff Louis and running back Jerome Jackson.

On June 17, the Browns waived cornerback Antonio Perkins, fullback Alan Ricard, and offensive linemen Brent Pousson and Scott Stephenson. On June 26, the team waived safety Ben Emanuel and claimed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Efrem Hill from waivers.

2007 NFL Draft

Prior to the 2007 NFL draft, the Browns were set to utilize either the third pick or fourth pick of the first round. This discrepancy was because the Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had similar records and strength-of-schedule averages. After the coin toss, it was determined that the Browns will use the third pick of the draft. The 2007 NFL Draft was held on April 28 and 29, 2007 in New York City.

Draft Player name Position College Height Weight
Rnd Pick
1 3 Joe Thomas Offensive tackle Wisconsin 6 ft 6 in 313 lbs
22 Brady Quinn Quarterback Notre Dame 6 ft 3 in 226 lbs
2 53 Eric Wright Cornerback UNLV 5 ft 11 in 190 lbs
5 140 Brandon McDonald Cornerback Memphis 5 ft 11 in 181 lbs
6 200 Melila Purcell Defensive end Hawaii 6 ft 5 in 269 lbs
7 213 Chase Pittman Defensive end LSU 6 ft 5 in 273 lbs
234 Syndric Steptoe Wide receiver Arizona 5 ft 9 in 182 lbs

The Browns selected Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall pick of the draft. However, the Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd selection of the draft, following a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, which saw the Browns send their second-round pick of the 2007 draft and their first-round pick of the 2008 NFL draft to the Cowboys for their first-round pick at number 22. During the second round of the draft, the Browns made another trade with the Cowboys, this time using the selection to pick UNLV cornerback Eric Wright. The Browns gave up their third- and fourth-round picks of the draft, and swapped their sixth-round pick with the Cowboys.

On the second day of the draft, the Browns looked to fill holes left by departing players through free agency. In the fifth round, the Browns drafted Memphis cornerback Brandon McDonald; in the sixth round, the Browns drafted Hawaii defensive end Melila Purcell; and in the seventh round, the Browns drafted LSU defensive end Chase Pittman and Arizona wide receiver Syndric Steptoe.

On July 18, the Browns signed the first of their seven draft picks, signing Pittman to a four-year contract. On July 22, the Browns signed three more draft picks, this time signing McDonald, Purcell and Steptoe each to four-year contracts. Steptoe is likely to compete to be the team's starting punt-returner heading into the 2007 season. On July 26, the Browns signed Thomas to a six-year contract (voidable after five years) and Wright to a four-year contract. Thomas and Wright will look to battle to become the starters at left tackle and cornerback respectively.

Until August 7, the Browns and Brady Quinn could not agree on a contract, and the quarterback missed nearly two weeks of training camp. The parties then agreed, in principle, to a contract. Hours later, the team and Quinn finalized the contract, and Quinn signed with the team under the terms of a five-year contract. The contract is worth $20 million.

Coaching Staff

Cleveland Browns 2007 coaching staff

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2007 Cleveland Browns roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 10 reserve, 8 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 11 Kansas City Chiefs W 16–12 1–0 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
2 August 18 Detroit Lions L 20–23 1–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3 August 25 at Denver Broncos W 31–7 2–1 Invesco Field at Mile High Recap
4 August 30 at Chicago Bears W 19–9 3–1 Soldier Field Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 9 Pittsburgh Steelers L 7–34 0–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
2 September 16 Cincinnati Bengals W 51–45 1–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3 September 23 at Oakland Raiders L 24–26 1–2 McAfee Coliseum Recap
4 September 30 Baltimore Ravens W 27–13 2–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
5 October 7 at New England Patriots L 17–34 2–3 Gillette Stadium Recap
6 October 14 Miami Dolphins W 41–31 3–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8 October 28 at St. Louis Rams W 27–20 4–3 Edward Jones Dome Recap
9 November 4 Seattle Seahawks W 33–30 5–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
10 November 11 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 28–31 5–4 Heinz Field Recap
11 November 18 at Baltimore Ravens W 33–30 (OT) 6–4 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
12 November 25 Houston Texans W 27–17 7–4 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
13 December 2 at Arizona Cardinals L 21–27 7–5 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
14 December 9 at New York Jets W 24–18 8–5 Giants Stadium Recap
15 December 16 Buffalo Bills W 8–0 9–5 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
16 December 23 at Cincinnati Bengals L 14–19 9–6 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
17 December 30 San Francisco 49ers W 20–7 10–6 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

Standings

AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Pittsburgh Steelers 10 6 0 .625 5–1 7–5 393 269 L1
Cleveland Browns 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 402 382 W1
Cincinnati Bengals 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 380 385 W2
Baltimore Ravens 5 11 0 .313 1–5 2–10 275 384 W1

Regular season week-by-week results

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 17 0 14334
Browns 0 0 707

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

  • PIT – Hines Ward 5-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick). Steelers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 2:01.
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 26-yard field goal. Steelers 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:54.
  • PIT – Santonio Holmes 40-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick). Steelers 17–0. Drive: 1 play, 40 yards, 0:07.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • PIT – Matt Spaeth 5-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick). Steelers 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:27.
  • CLE – Lawrence Vickers 1-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick). Steelers 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:41.
  • PIT – Heath Miller 22-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick). Steelers 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:29.

Fourth quarter

  • PIT – Jeff Reed 31-yard field goal. Steelers 34–7. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 8:00.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Charlie Frye started the game, but was benched before halftime. In the week following the game, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth-round draft pick, and Derek Anderson was named the starter for the rest of the season.

Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 14 17745
Browns 6 21 141051

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information
First quarter
  • CIN – Rudi Johnson 13-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), Bengals 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:28.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 39 yard field goal, Bengals 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:59.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 39 yard field goal, Bengals 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:24.
Second quarter
  • CLE – Joe Jurevicius 17-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:40.
  • CIN – T. J. Houshmandzadeh 23-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), Bengals 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:23.
  • CLE – Joe Jurevicius 9-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 20–14. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:01.
  • CIN – Chad Johnson 22-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), Bengals 21–20. Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 3:26.
  • CLE – Kellen Winslow II 25-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 27–21. Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:00.'
Third quarter
  • CIN – Shayne Graham 20 yard field goal, Browns 27–24. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:45.
  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 34-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 34–24. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:52.
  • CIN – Chad Johnson 14-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), Browns 34–31. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:06.
  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 66-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 41–31. Drive: 1 play, 66 yards, 0:17.
  • CIN – T. J. Houshmandzadeh 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), Browns 41–38. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:05.
Fourth quarter
  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 37-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 48–38. Drive: 5 plays, 92 yards, 3:08.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 18 yard field goal, Browns 51–38. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:45.
  • CIN – Glenn Holt 7-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), Browns 51–45. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 2:05 .

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

Week 3: Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 10 7724
Raiders 3 13 7326

at McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California

Game information
  • First quarter
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 32-yard field goal, 0:37. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:34.

Second quarter

  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 22-yard field goal, 11:00. Raiders 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:35.
  • OAK – Ronald Curry 41-yard pass from Josh McCown (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:45. Raiders 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards, 4:03.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 23-yard field goal, 2:05. Raiders 16–0. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:35.
  • CLE – Josh Cribbs 99-yard kickoff return (Phil Dawson kick), 1:53. Raiders 16–7.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal, 0:11. Raiders 16–10. Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 21-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 9:16. Browns 17–16. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:22.
  • OAK – LaMont Jordan 1-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:10. Raiders 23–17. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 9:06.

Fourth quarter

  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 48-yard field goal, 8:11. Raiders 26–17. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:58.
  • CLE – Derek Anderson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 3:33. Raiders 26–24. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:38.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 4: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 6 0713
Browns 14 10 3027

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 21-yard field goal, 12:45. Browns 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:27.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal, 9:17. Browns 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:28.
  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 4:52. Browns 24–3. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:18.
  • BAL – Matt Stover 29-yard field goal, 0:52. Browns 24–6. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:00.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 20-yard field goal, 4:12. Browns 27–6. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:37.

Fourth quarter

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 5: at New England Patriots

Week 5: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 31417
Patriots 10 10 01434

at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 20-yard field goal, 8:01. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 6:59.
  • NE – Donte Stallworth 34-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 2:33. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 1 play, 34 yards, 0:11.

Second quarter

  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 6:12. Patriots 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:17.
  • NE – Benjamin Watson 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:01. Patriots 20–0. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:46.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 42-yard field goal, 7:32. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:28.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Tim Carter 21-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 14:10. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:50.
  • NE – Benjamin Watson 25-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:40. Patriots 27–10. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:30.
  • CLE – Kellen Winslow II 14-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 5:56. Patriots 27–17. Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:48.
  • NE – Randall Gay 15-yard fumble return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:52. Patriots 34–17.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 6: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 3 7 14731
Browns 14 13 01441

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

  • CLE – Jason Wright 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 12:46. Browns 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:14.
  • MIA – Jay Feely 43-yard field goal, 6:17. Browns 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:43.
  • CLE – Derek Anderson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 0:09. Browns 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 6:08.

Second quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 40-yard field goal, 8:50. Browns 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 5:10.
  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 24-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 6:13. Browns 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:06.
  • MIA – David Martin 14-yard pass from Cleo Lemon (Jay Feely kick), 1:03. Browns 24–10. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:10.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Browns 27–10. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 1:03.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Cleo Lemon 5-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 7:57. Browns 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:03.
  • MIA – Cleo Lemon 1-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 2:44. Browns 27–24. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:41.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 5-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 10:51. Browns 34–24. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:53.
  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 16-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 4:34. Browns 41–24. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:27.
  • MIA – David Martin 4-yard pass from Cleo Lemon (Jay Feely kick), 1:34. Browns 41–31. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 0:51.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 8: at St. Louis Rams

Week 8: Cleveland Browns at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 14 7327
Rams 14 3 3020

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information

First quarter

  • STL – Steven Jackson 2-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 11:37. Rams 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:23.
  • STL – Torry Holt 1-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 5:06. Rams 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:21.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 35-yard field goal, 2:38. Rams 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:28.

Second quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 12-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 8:22. Rams 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 5:04.
  • CLE – Kellen Winslow II 21-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 1:11. Browns 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:13.
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 40-yard field goal, 0:03. Tied 17–17. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 1:08.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 5-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 8:44. Browns 24–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:16.
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 46-yard field goal, 3:26. Browns 24–20. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 5:18.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 45-yard field goal, 10:35. Browns 27–20. Drive: 12 plays, 45 yards, 7:51.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 9: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 9: Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Seahawks 7 14 36030
Browns 0 9 714333

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 2-yard run (kick failed), 12:49. Seahawks 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:58.
  • SEA – D. J. Hackett 6-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 6:23. Seahawks 14–6. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:26.
  • SEA – Nate Burleson 94-yard punt return (Josh Brown kick), 3:49. Seahawks 21–6.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 19-yard field goal, 0:21. Seahawks 21–9. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 1:24.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 8:57. Seahawks 21–16. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 6:03.
  • SEA – Josh Brown 39-yard field goal, 5:06. Seahawks 24–16. Drive: 10 plays, 19 yards, 3:51.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 2-yard run (pass failed), 12:42. Seahawks 24–22. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:06.
  • SEA – Josh Brown 26-yard field goal, 7:55. Seahawks 27–22. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:47.
  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Derek Anderson pass), 2:17. Browns 30–27. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 5:38.
  • SEA – Josh Brown 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 30–30. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 2:17.

Overtime

  • Phil Dawson 25-yard field goal, 10:00. Browns 33–30. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 12:45.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 10: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 14 0728
Steelers 3 6 71531

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Game time: 1:00 PM EST
  • Game weather: 40 °F or 4.4 °C (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 64,781
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play) & Phil Simms (color commentator)
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CLE – Lawrence Vickers 2-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 14:56. Browns 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:33.
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 35-yard field goal, 9:02. Browns 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:54.
  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 16-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 5:24. Browns 21–6. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 0:59.
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 35-yard field goal, 0:05. Browns 21–9. Drive: 15 plays, 57 yards, 5:20.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • PIT – Ben Roethlisberger 30-yard run (Ben Roethlisberger pass to Hines Ward), 11:32. Steelers 24–21. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:15.
  • CLE – Josh Cribbs 100-yard kickoff return (Phil Dawson kick), 11:14. Browns 28–24.
  • PIT – Heath Miller 2-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), 3:13. Steelers 31–24. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 8:01.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 11: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 11: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Browns 3 10 143333
Ravens 0 7 716030

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

First quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 28-yard field goal, 2:34. Browns 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 2:13.

Second quarter

  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 12:23. Browns 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:56.
  • BAL – Ray Lewis 35-yard interception return (Matt Stover kick), 8:47. Browns 10–7.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 39-yard field goal, 2:34. Browns 13–7. Drive: 13 plays, 21 yards, 7:06.

Third quarter

  • BAL – Willis McGahee 2-yard run (Matt Stover kick), 10:42. Ravens 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:18.
  • CLE – Derek Anderson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 6:01. Browns 20–14. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:59.
  • CLE – Brodney Pool 100-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), 3:42. Browns 27–14.

Fourth quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 34-yard field goal, 12:13. Browns 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:29.
  • BAL – Matt Stover 41-yard field goal, 7:20. Browns 27–20. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 2:28.
  • BAL – Devard Darling 27-yard pass from Kyle Boller (Matt Stover kick), 3:31. Tied 27–27. Drive: 4 plays, 83 yards, 1:41.
  • BAL – Matt Stover 47-yard field goal, 0:26. Ravens 30–27. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 1:23.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 30–30. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 0:26.

Overtime

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 33-yard field goal, 9:10. Browns 33–30. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 5:50.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 12: vs. Houston Texans

Week 12: Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 7 3 0717
Browns 0 14 31027

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 19-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 9:55. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:39.
  • HOU – Kris Brown 41-yard field goal, 7:13. Texans 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:46.
  • CLE – Kellen Winslow 7-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 0:16. Browns 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 3:37.

Third quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 25-yard field goal, 7:26. Browns 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:31.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 27-yard field goal, 8:35. Browns 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:51.
  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 5:48. Browns 27–10. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:59.
  • HOU – Owen Daniels 6-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Kris Brown kick), 3:12. Browns 27–17. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:36.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

This was Terry McAulay's first game he officiated in Cleveland since the Bottlegate incident against Jacksonville on December 16, 2001.

Week 13: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 13: Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 7 8321
Cardinals 14 0 7627

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – Roderick Hood 71-yard interception return (Neil Rackers kick), 10:45. Cardinals 7–0.
  • ARI – Leonard Pope 5-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick), 4:59. Cardinals 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:38.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 37-yard field goal, 1:41. Cardinals 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:18.

Second quarter

  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 6-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 1:14. Cardinals 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 6:01.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Bryant Johnson 1-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick), 0:43. Cardinals 21–10. Drive: 15 plays, 46 yards, 3:03.
  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 67-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Derek Anderson pass to Braylon Edwards), 0:00. Cardinals 21–18. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:43.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 33-yard field goal, 12:10. Cardinals 24–18. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 2:50.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 22-yard field goal, 6:17. Cardinals 24–21. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 2:59.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 19-yard field goal, 1:48. Cardinals 27–21. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 4:29.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 14: at New York Jets

Week 14: Cleveland Browns at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 7 71024
Jets 0 3 31218

at The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 4-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 12:32. Browns 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:28.
  • NYJ – Mike Nugent 41-yard field goal, 2:50. Browns 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 4:30.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 49-yard field goal, 12:59. Browns 17–6. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 4:51.
  • NYJ – Kellen Clemens 1-yard run (pass failed), 2:59. Browns 17–12. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 2:28.
  • NYJ – Mike Nugent 38-yard field goal, 1:43. Browns 17–15. Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 1:16.
  • CLE – Jamal Lewis 31-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 1:22. Browns 24–15. Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 0:21.
  • NYJ – Mike Nugent 35-yard field goal, 0:32. Browns 24–18. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 0:50.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 15: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 0 000
Browns 3 5 008

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 35-yard field goal, 6:51. Browns 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:15.

Second quarter

  • CLE – Brian Moorman kicked ball through end zone, 13:48. Browns 5–0.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 49-yard field goal, 1:22. Browns 8–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 2:44.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

With the win, the Browns improved to 9–5, securing the team's first winning season since 2002 and second overall since being reactivated in 1999. The win also kept the team's playoff chances alive as the Steelers lost to the Jaguars, creating a tie for 1st place in the AFC North.

Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 16: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 7714
Bengals 0 19 0019

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • CIN – Shayne Graham 29-yard field goal, 12:52. Bengals 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:09.
  • CIN – Shayne Graham 38-yard field goal, 5:04. Bengals 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:47.
  • CIN – T. J. Houshmandzadeh 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick), 1:05. Bengals 13–0. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:08.
  • CIN – Kenny Watson 1-yard run (pass failed), 0:26. Bengals 19–0. Drive: 2 plays, 20 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 5-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 5:57. Bengals 19–14. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 1:26.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Cleveland traveled to divisional rival Cincinnati, needing a win to secure the team's first playoff berth since 2002. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bengals scored 19 points in the second, 13 of which were on short drives due to two interceptions by Derek Anderson. The Browns' defense held the Bengals scoreless in the second half, while Anderson threw 2 touchdown passes. Cincinnati's last drive of the game ended in a fumble at the Cleveland 22-yard line, giving the Browns a chance to win the game with just under 2 minutes left. Cleveland would make it to Cincinnati's 29-yard line, but the game ended with an incomplete pass from Anderson.

The loss dropped the Browns to 9–6 and meant the team no longer controlled its own destiny in securing a playoff berth. The Steelers' win over the Rams and the Browns' loss meant that Pittsburgh secured the AFC North. Additionally, Tennessee's win over the New York Jets would give the Titans the AFC's last wild card spot with a win in week 17 as they held tiebreakers over the Browns.

Week 17: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 17: San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 7 007
Browns 7 10 0320

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • CLE – Braylon Edwards 45-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Phil Dawson kick), 11:44. Browns 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 3:17.
  • SF – Darrell Jackson 7-yard pass from Chris Weinke (Joe Nedney kick), 3:20. Browns 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:40.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal, 1:04. Browns 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 2:16.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 49-yard field goal, 10:16. Browns 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:59.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

With the win, the Browns finished the season at 10–6 for the team's first ten win season since being reactivated in 1999 and first since 1994. However, the Browns would be eliminated from postseason contention later in the day when the Tennessee Titans defeated the Indianapolis Colts to secure the AFC's last wild card spot. The Titans, who also finished 10–6, won the tiebreaker over the Browns due to having a better record against common opponents. This would be Cleveland's last winning season until 2020.

2008 Pro Bowl

Six Browns players, wide receiver Braylon Edwards, kick returner Josh Cribbs, left tackle Joe Thomas, longsnapper Ryan Pontbriand, tight end Kellen Winslow II, and quarterback Derek Anderson were named to the AFC team to represent the Cleveland Browns during the 2008 Pro Bowl. Announced on December 18, 2007, this marked the first time since the 2001 NFL season when Jamir Miller played in the 2002 Pro Bowl as a linebacker that the Browns had any player named to the Pro Bowl. It was the most selections for a Browns team since the 1995 season.

Edwards was one of the AFC's reserve wide receivers, while Cribbs started as the AFC's kick returner. Thomas, Anderson, and Winslow were all voted first alternates but all played due to injuries or other players electing not to participate in the game. Pontbriand was elected as a "needs" player by the AFC coaching staff.

Guard Eric Steinbach (1st), fullback Lawrence Vickers (2nd), and placekicker Phil Dawson (3rd) were named alternates at their respective positions.

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