NFL Rumors: Browns see Jimmy Garoppolo as perfect Deshaun Watson replacement

The Cleveland Browns may be making arrangements if their quarterback Deshaun Watson is suspended for the entire season.

According to multiple sources around the league, including Browns' insider Mary Kay Cabot, if Watson's six-game suspension is increased, they could go after San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.

Watson was handed a six-match ban following allegations of sexual assault by nearly two dozen massage therapists. However, the NFL has appealed that decision and the quarterback may have to sit out the entire season.

Jimmy Garoppolo in action

Jimmy Garoppolo has been on the trade market the entire offseason. He wasn't able to be traded for most of the off-season. The reason being he was deemed unfit to pass a physical as he was recovering from a busted up shoulder.

Following successful shoulder surgery on his throwing arm, he has been recovering and has been throwing for a few weeks. Now that he is able to perform on the field, a trade is expected to happen soon.

The 49ers are fully committed to second-year quarterback Trey Lance and are expected to release Garoppolo if they can't find a trade partner.

As of right now, the Browns are prepared to head into the season with Jacoby Brissett as the starter for the first six games of Watson's suspension. But they could add Jimmy Garoppolo as well.

Why Cleveland Browns may need Jimmy Garoppolo

Following the 2021 season, the Browns decided that they needed to make a major move at the quarterback position.

Cleveland was aggressive in its pursuit of a quarterback and acquired All-Pro Deshaun Watson and the Texans' 2024 sixth-round draft pick. This was in exchange for the Browns' first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Browns' third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024.

The Browns also gave Watson the highest-guaranteed contract in NFL history upon signing with them, with a 5-year $230 million deal. They did this knowing that he could be suspended for the entire season.

On August 1, it was announced that Watson would have to serve a six-game suspension to start the season as a result of sexual harassment allegations.

However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell thinks that he should have received a harsher punishment.

The league is currently seeking a longer suspension for Watson due to his "egregious" and "predatory behavior." Since the NFL has meted out strong punishment for seemingly lesser crimes, they are looking for a much more stringent punishment for Watson.

If that punishment materialises, the need for a player like Garoppolo will become strong. Jimmy G is clearly a better option than Brissett at this stage. The former has played in 63 matches and accumulated 11,852 yards and 71 touchdowns, as against 38 interceptions.

Compared to this, Brissett has 7,742 yards under his belt from 60 games for 36 touchdowns against 17 interceptions.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who seems the better option presently.