Browns reportedly not expected to pursue trade for 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo

Wednesday was significant as it pertains to updates on San Francisco 49ers veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

It was first reported that the Cleveland Browns "did their homework" on Garoppolo earlier this offseason and could soon revisit the matter if Deshaun Watson, their starting signal-caller, is suspended for half or more of the upcoming season over allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. That claim was quickly followed by a story that said the 49ers have permitted Garoppolo's agents to seek a trade as the club prepares to name 2021 rookie Trey Lance its new QB1 as soon as the start of training camp next week. 

A different insider now says people should pump the figurative brakes before linking Garoppolo with the Browns moving forward. 

As Charean Williams noted for Pro Football Talk, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported late Wednesday afternoon that the Browns are not expected to pursue a trade for Garoppolo during the preseason regardless of Watson's status. 

"The Browns never seriously considered trading for Garoppolo this offseason, even before Watson hit the trade market in March when a grand jury declined to indict him on criminal charges," Cabot added. 

Journeyman Jacoby Brissett is the next man up on the Cleveland depth chart at the sport's most important position, and Cabot wrote that the Browns believe Brissett can "hold down the fort, especially with a relatively soft first four games" until Watson becomes available. The Browns open the 2022 regular season with matchups at the Carolina Panthers, versus the New York Jets, versus the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and then at the Atlanta Falcons. 

Garoppolo, meanwhile, spent the springtime months recovering from March shoulder surgery but has reportedly been cleared to begin practicing.