4 ‘Plan B’ options if Browns don’t trade for Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns have made their pitch for Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, an will now wait for the Clemson product to pick his new team.

The Saints, Panthers and Falcons are also lining up to deliver a treasure trove of draft picks for player who comes with considerable baggage.

The Browns aren’t considered the front runner for Watson, as it’s being speculated he favors a warmer climate.

Now, with the Browns and Baker Mayfield looking like they can never partner up again on the field after a report surfaced that the organization is looking for an “adult” to lead the team, the Dawg Pound has to wonder what happens next if the push to get Watson comes up short.

Here’s for possible “Plan B” options if the Browns aren’t able to trade for Watson. They are ranked from most likely, to least likely.

Plan B options if Deshaun Watson rejects Browns

1. Jimmy Garoppolo: Talk about an adult in the room. Jimmy G watched his team draft his replacement and then went out and led the 49ers to the NFC title game.

He’s No. 1 on the list because it’s known he’s available. San Fran will ride with Trey Lance and needs to move on from Jimmy G’s hefty contract.

There are injury concerns, though, as Garoppolo injured his throwing shoulder during the playoffs and required surgery.

At one time, it looked like the 49ers might be able to recoup a first-round pick for Garoppolo, but now it looks like the asking price for Garoppolo would be more favorable to the Browns.

2. Marcus Mariota: It wouldn’t cost any draft picks to sign the free agent and the Browns would be getting a bridge quarterback to get them to 2023. Not sure how that really helps as this team is built to win now.

3. Derek Carr: The Browns are interested, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, and Las Vegas has a Baker Mayfield advocate in new head coach Josh McDaniels. When McDaniels was a Patriots assistant, the John Carrol grad took a liking to Mayfield.

The Raiders haven’t given any indication that they want to trade him, but the Seahawks were once adamant Rusell Wilson wouldn’t be moved, while the Browns were steadfast Baker Mayfield would be their quarterback.

4. Matt Ryan: Would only be available if Watson chooses Atlanta. Ryan would be a better fit for Indy, where he could continue to play half of his games in a dome. Baker Mayfield is rumored to prefer Indy as a landing spot.