Browns may consider pursuit of Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson suspension increases

The Browns have seemed steadfast in their commitment to Jacoby Brissett while Deshaun Watson is suspended, but that might end up being challenged.

As the NFL’s appeal against the six-game suspension handed down for Watson by Sue L. Robinson continues, the Browns may be starting to explore other options at quarterback should the suspension be extended.

Per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, one of those options could be 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is still being shopped by the team as it starts to transition to Trey Lance. Cabot reports if Watson’s suspension gets extended, the Browns may pursue a trade of Garoppolo.

The NFL is reportedly seeking a one-year (at minimum) suspension for Watson.

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For Garoppolo’s part, he’s coming off surgery in March to repair a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder. Although Garoppolo’s price is hefty, he would bring a veteran presence and the Browns have the money to throw around, particularly given the structure of Watson’s contract, which will pay him just $1 million this season.

Watson is reportedly set to start for the Browns in their first preseason game Friday, presuming Peter C. Harvey’s ruling doesn’t come down first.

Jacoby Brissett vs. Jimmy Garoppolo stats

While Brissett is an established journeyman backup, he’s been behind “break in case of emergency” glass for his career.

Brissett started for the Colts two separate times (once when Andrew Luck was hurt and once after he retired) and the Dolphins last year.

Garoppolo, meanwhile, was acquired by the 49ers to be their “guy.” While the numbers haven’t been terrible, the Niners haven’t gotten the results they were hoping for out of him and decided to move on after last season.

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Here’s how the two line up.

Garoppolo tends to fare better, but he’s also generally been surrounded by better talent. Either way, if the trade market for him is thin enough, it makes sense Cleveland would consider landing him.

While Brissett was signed a week after the Browns traded for Watson (thus alienating Baker Mayfield) as a contingency, the Browns likely didn’t think him starting for a full season was an option. Now, if it’s on the table, they’ll have to make a choice.