Cleveland Browns options at quarterback if Deshaun Watson is suspended all year

Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo before the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns Option at Quarterback No. 2 – Jimmy Garoppolo

The Jimmy Garoppolo situation in San Francisco remains a tricky one. He is under contract for nearly $27 million, and the team really wants to move in the direction of Trey Lance. But Lance hasn’t shown he’s ready to be the starter and is on a cheap rookie deal.

The bottom line is, that Garoppolo is likely available to be traded, but they aren’t going to just give him away. And for a guy who has had a ton of injuries with only one year left on his deal, there is a huge risk for this type of trade.

The market is very unclear, but this late in the game it’s safe to say that it would take at least two picks to pry away Garoppolo, and you know there is no chance of re-signing him. If Watson were suspended a full year, this is the ultra-aggressive route to show you are all in. You would have depleted most of your draft assets, but you once again have a roster that would be considered top five throughout the NFL.

Again, after giving up so many picks for Watson and constantly trading back in the 2022 draft, I’m not sure Andrew Berry would be comfortable with a move like this. But it certainly would give you a much better chance at a successful season.