There are a few possible trade partners for New England Patriots back-up QB Jimmy Garoppolo, but no team is better positioned to acquire the 3rd year quarterback than the Cleveland Browns. And if you trust the latest report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, then maybe the pieces are falling into place for the Patriots and Browns to make a deal.
Schefter reports that the Browns have an “astronomical grade” of Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garrett. Garrett is expected to be this year’s Joey Bosa, who went 3rd overall in the 2016 Draft to the San Diego Chargers. “The Browns are enamored with Garrett,” according to Schefter’s source.
The Browns would have to use their original first round pick to select Garrett, who is not expected to be available outside of the top three. Cleveland would like to improve its quarterback position with the first round pick acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Schefter reports that the Browns are showing interest in Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer. Other first round quarterback prospects include North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
The (0-12) Browns will definitely be competing with the (1-11) San Francisco 49ers and the (3-9) Chicago Bears for the top quarterback prospects, while the (3-9) New York Jets could throw their hat in the ring if they’ve already given up on 2016 second round pick Christian Hackenberg. Other interested teams could include the (5-7) New Orleans Saints and the (5-6-1) Arizona Cardinals as they look to develop players behind their aging quarterbacks.
Schefter adds that “some believe [the Browns] will make a run”at Garoppolo after the conclusion of the 2016 season. The Browns could use the second of their first round picks to acquire Garoppolo and still acquire the best player in the entire draft, while the 49ers and Bears would likely have to part with their top 10 draft pick, or at least a second round pick and a future first rounder.
The Patriots will be waiting by the phone.