Cleveland Browns: 3 myths surrounding a Jimmy Garoppolo trade
By Thomas Moore
While it may seem as if the Browns are the only team in the league that can’t find a quarterback, the truth is that the NFL is starved for competent quarterback play.
The San Francisco 49ers need a quarterback, but signed Brian Hoyer in free agency to go along with Matt Barkley.
Hoyer’s former team, the Chicago Bears, need a quarterback, but signed the aforementioned Glennon as a free agent.
The Houston Texans – a team reportedly built to “win now” – are rumored to be ready to roll into 2017 with Tony Romo and his 85-year-old back once Romo hits the free agent market.
The New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos, among others, also need a valid NFL starting quarterback.
Yet the Browns are the only team in the entire NFL that must “do whatever it takes” to trade for Garoppolo. How is that?
Why aren’t the Texans going “all in” for Garoppolo? Head coach Bill O’Brien spent five years with the Patriots – two as quarterbacks coach and one as offensive coordinator – so you would think that he, of all people, who have an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of Garoppolo and be willing to make a move for him.
It has been argued that because the Browns have the most to spend in a trade, then they should simply spend it all to acquire Garoppolo. And while it is always fun to see a team bid against itself for a player, the Browns are working hard to become a smart franchise, so why would they do that?
If no other team is willing to trade for Garoppolo, and the Patriots really have no intention of trading him, then why in the world would the Browns make the Patriots the type of offer that they can’t refuse?
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There are multiple reasons for why the Browns should take a hard pass on chasing another team’s backup quarterback. In Garoppolo’s case, the cost in terms of draft picks and a new contract – which he will certainly want as part of any trade – is too high for a player that the Browns will not even be able to talk to until after the trade is complete.
When you lay it all out on the table, it is easy to see just how misguided all the trade talk really is.