Testaverde signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 1993. After spending half a season as a backup to his former Hurricanes teammate Bernie Kosar, he became the starter after Kosar's release by then Browns head coach Bill Belichick. Testaverde spent three seasons in Cleveland, and in 1994 led the team into the playoffs where they won the AFC wildcard game against New England before being defeated by Pittsburgh. After 1995, he moved with most of the Browns roster, coaches and staff to Baltimore and played two seasons with the newly formed Baltimore Ravens. Testaverde scored the first touchdown in the history of the Ravens on a 9-yard run. He ended the season with over 4,000 yards passing, 33 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. Testaverde made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 1996 with the Ravens.