Browns Reportedly Will Turn to One QB if Deshaun Watson Suspension Longer Than Expected

Plan A meet Plan B.

While the Browns wait to find out just how long their QB will be out, they are making contingency plans just in case it’s a lot longer than they thought. The Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson are still waiting for the decision on the NFL’s appeal of Watson’s six-game suspension, and that ruling could lead the Browns to look for another long term starting option.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that the Browns will consider trading for 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo if Harvey’s ruling results in a significantly longer suspension for Watson.

Via Cleveland.com: 

The Browns will consider acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension significantly increases upon appeal, league sources tell cleveland.com.

The Browns are awaiting the ruling of Peter C. Harvey, the designee of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who confirmed Tuesday that the league is seeking a minimum year-long ban for Watson with the chance to apply for reinstatement after the season.

#Browns will consider acquiring #49ers Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson's 6-game suspension increases https://t.co/X7EgcPw5yI

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 11, 2022

Jacoby Brissett is currently Deshaun Watson’s backup, which means he’ll be the starter with Watson out of the lineup.

Apparently the Browns are comfortable with Brissett as a short term solution, but are not keen on him leading the team over a full season. The NFL is currently seeking a suspension of one year for Watson.

Garoppolo is really the only quarterback that could replace Watson, and the Niners are currently looking to trade him. Garoppolo has been cleared after shoulder surgery, but has not been practicing with the 49ers at training camp.

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