Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Browns tried to trade for Russell Wilson before acquiring Deshaun Watson

Prior to making arguably the most controversial transaction of the offseason in trading for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson in March, the Cleveland Browns apparently had a different Pro Bowl signal-caller in mind.

Russell Wilson, of course, was sent from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos in an early March blockbuster that landed the NFC West club a package that included former first-round draft pick tight end Noah Fant, as well as a former second-round selection, quarterback Drew Lock. Since acquiring Watson, the Browns have attempted to provide the roster with some insurance at the quarterback position by signing 29-year-old Jacoby Brissett and 2018 10th overall pick Josh Rosen.

It was reported earlier this month that Cleveland was "bracing" for an eight-game suspension for the former Houston Texan, as he faces more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. On Wednesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Brissett would be the team's starter if Watson ends up getting suspended.

Cleveland faces the Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 1 of the regular season at 1 p.m. on Sept. 11. Though he's currently battling for the starting job with Sam Darnold in Carolina, there seems to be at least a 50-50 chance that former Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield is under center when the teams square off in just over six weeks.

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