Browns QB question marks still lead back to Jimmy Garoppolo
The Browns will be viewed as AFC contenders with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. If he’s suspended for the year, Cleveland is probably a seven-win team.
Their roster is ready to win, but everything depends on the quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is a fine backup quarterback, but he’s not getting Cleveland to the promised land.
That’s why I found Michael Lombaridi’s column about Cleveland pursuing Jimmy Garoppolo intriguing. Yes, it’s the same Lombardi who worked under Bill Bellichick in the early 90s and then did a terrible job alongside Joe Banner during that dumpster fire of a 2013 season.
I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I agree with Lombardi, under the caveat Watson gets suspended for 12-16 games.
Jimmy G isn’t a perfect quarterback. If he was, the Browns could’ve avoided a major headache and just traded for him back in March. He’s not the talent of Watson and has an injury history that is a concern.
Browns would be getting a winner
That said, here’s what Jimmy G is: A winner. He has a lifetime 33-14 career record. He’s taken a team to the Super Bowl. He almost did it again last season, coming up short in the NFC title game.
To sum it up: The 2022 season wouldn’t be a wash if Watson gets suspended for a year and Jimmy G takes over under center.
Some view Garoppolo’s salary as a hurdle, but not Lombari, who wrote the following.
"“His salary is a problem for most teams, but not for the Browns once they trade Mayfield. And Garoppolo is willing to do a new deal with his new team. He knows the market isn’t there for a $24 million quarterback, so he is willing to lower his base, and do an incentive-laden deal. With the uncertainty of his shoulder, the new deal would offer Cleveland protection against Garoppolo missing games.”"
Lombardi listed the price tag for Garoppolo as a fifth-round pick that could become a fourth if Jimmy G plays enough.
If that’s the truly the price then the Browns better do it if Watson is suspended. I don’t care about the Browns cap number. Garoppolo would come off the books at the end of the season and if he plays well, another team will surely sign him, which would set the Browns up to acquire a compensatory pick, according to Lombardi.
Next. Rumors: Seahawks were close to Mayfield trade until new team entered fray. dark
If Watson’s out, the 2022 season doesn’t have to be a wash. Jimmy G is there and 49ers, with Trey Lance ready to take over, must be willing to deal.