It's understandable that insiders such as Mike Tannenbaum of ESPN are heavily linking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo with the Cleveland Browns now that it's known that Cleveland QB1 Deshaun Watson will serve an 11-game suspension over allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport poured cold water over such Browns-Garoppolo rumors on multiple occasions earlier this week, and head coach Kevin Stefanski insisted on Thursday the Browns will "stick to our plan" of starting journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett for the games Watson will miss.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports has since added his name to the list of people who don't envision Jimmy G heading to Cleveland anytime soon.
"They believe in Jacoby Brissett," Jones said of the Browns during an on-air segment while adding that Brissett is receiving first-team practice reps.
"They're not going to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo," Jones continued during his comments. "They are not going to trade for his salary cap number, which is around $24 million. Everyone in the NFL is waiting on the San Francisco 49ers to ultimately cut Jimmy Garoppolo, and then there can be a sort of feeding frenzy on Garoppolo.
"Are the Browns interested? They've done their homework, no question about it. They will continue to monitor it. And, it obviously depends on the play of Jacoby Brissett."
"They are NOT going to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo."@jjones9 breaks down what's next for the Browns at QB after Deshaun Watson was handed an 11-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/mAdgI3f1Ac
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 18, 2022
The $24.2 million base salary Garoppolo is owed for 2022 isn't guaranteed at this time, which is why it's assumed the Niners will cut the 30-year-old before the regular season begins. Stefanski suggested the Browns wouldn't be interested in acquiring Garoppolo even at a discounted price, but Jones didn't necessarily slam the door shut on the idea during Thursday's segment.
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