Report: Browns Interested in Jimmy G

Sources say the Browns’ interest in Garoppolo is real and that they’ll try to trade for him depending on how their draft evaluations go over the next five weeks or so. If the Browns decide to draft Mitch Trubisky or Deshaun Watson in the first round, they’ll be much less likely to pursue the Patriots’ backup — but wouldn’t rule it out.

But they’ll have competition for Garoppolo that will drive up the price. Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan liked him coming out of the draft, and might pursue a deal once he formally becomes the 49ers’ head coach.

The 49ers have the No. 2 pick in the draft, and are also looking for a quarterback.

But the Browns are intrigued, sources say, and they’ll strongly consider it. The cost could be the No. 12 overall pick and more.

Source: Mary Kay Cabot/Cleveland.com

As expected, teams are going to line up to get a shot at Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, with the Cleveland Browns leading the way. The Browns have two first round picks and two second round picks, so they have the ammo that the Pats will likely require to part ways with the talented Tom Brady apprentice.

I wrote this a couple months ago, and I haven’t really changed my tune. I know Brady has looked as good as ever this season but the end can come quickly and this is one position you shouldn’t mess around with. You have a player in-house and under contract for another season that can step in and win football games.

Let’s not forget the long list of backups that have done nothing outside of New England. Finding an heir apparent isn’t as easy as Garoppolo might make it seem.

The wild card though is Jacoby Brissett, who showed incredible toughness playing through a thumb injury that would put him on IR after his first career start against Buffalo. Brissett showed an intriguing skillset after being thrust into a two-and-a-half game of action when Garoppolo went down. If the Pats like Brissett as much as it appears they do by bringing him back off of IR this year, they might be more amenable to letting Jimmy G walk.

With a ton of defensive free agents this year and no first round pick last year, the need for some high-round talent infusion could be high this season. We know Bill Belichick will listen to any offer, but I’m still not convinced anything will be enough unless someone offers something huge.