Browns reportedly 'did their homework' on Jimmy Garoppolo

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could have a new team in 2022. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Browns reportedly 'did their homework' on 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/20/22

Depending on the latest report on the subject, the Cleveland Browns allegedly expect to be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson from anywhere between half and all of the upcoming NFL season as Watson and company await to learn if he'll be suspended over no fewer than two-dozen allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.

It was said last week that the Browns were not all that interested in San Francisco 49ers veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo, who is on the trade market coming off March shoulder surgery because 2021 rookie Trey Lance is presumably ready to become San Francisco's new starter. As David Bonilla pointed out for 49ers WebZone, though, Pro Football Focus' Doug Kyed tweeted on Wednesday that the Browns "did their homework" on Garoppolo earlier this offseason and could potentially revisit such discussions if Watson is banned indefinitely.

The #Browns discussed Jimmy Garoppolo and did their homework on the #49ers QB earlier in the offseason, per source. Revisiting those conversations would depend on length of Deshaun Watson’s suspension, asking price, Garoppolo’s recovery, etc.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) July 20, 2022

As things stand today, journeyman Jacoby Brissett is Cleveland's primary backup and would become the club's temporary QB1 if Watson was made ineligible to play. Meanwhile, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Grant Gordon) reported Tuesday that Garoppolo is expected to be fully cleared from his March procedure by mid-August.

Garoppolo may have to make multiple preseason appearances with San Francisco next month to impress would-be buyers, and that could impact his readiness with a new club for Week 1 in September.

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