The Cleveland Browns were linked to QB Mitchell Trubisky leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft, but the North Carolina quarterback went second overall to the Chicago Bears. After that, it seemed like the Browns were no longer interested in any of the rookie quarterbacks.
The Browns traded down from #12 and allowed the Houston Texans to select Clemson QB Deshaun Watson. Cleveland was also linked to Washington QB Kirk Cousins, although Washington denies the reports.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns made another pitch to acquire New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo- and according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns could keep on trying.
Browns inquired last night about trading for Patriots' QB Jimmy Garappolo and were told, once again, NE not interested, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2017
Cabot reports that “the Browns may have offered” the #12 pick to the Patriots, but the Patriots weren’t interested. New England doesn’t think highly of the second-tier talent (those behind Myles Garrett, Solomon Thomas, and Jamal Adams) in the 2017 NFL Draft, but perhaps the Browns could interest New England in some capital for the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Browns now own two first round picks (Cleveland, Houston) in the 2018 NFL Draft and three second round picks (Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia). It would be a coup if the Patriots could get both of the Browns first round picks, but a more likely option would be Houston’s 2018 first round pick and some combination pair of the second round picks.
This is a trade the Patriots shouldn’t make because it presents far less value than the #12 pick they might have been able to receive in the 2017 draft. Based on the draft value chart, a pair of future firsts is the equivalent of the mid-first in the current draft- and all five Browns picks would be the rough equivalent of a top ten overall pick in the current draft.
The Browns weren’t going to get Garoppolo unless they made an offer the Patriots couldn’t refuse. Cleveland no longer has the draft capital to make that offer, especially if the Patriots aren’t interested in the 2017 NFL Draft.