It sounds like quarterback Baker Mayfield's time with the Cleveland Browns is coming to an end. Whether or not the Browns land Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson probably will not change that.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen (via Will Brinson of CBS Sports), Cleveland is "breaking up" with Mayfield regardless of what happens with Watson. The Browns reportedly "want an adult" at quarterback.
Ouch.
Those are likely Mortensen's words, not the words of the Browns. Of course, it could convey what the organization thinks as it possibly prepares to part ways with Mayfield, the player selected No. 1 overall in 2018.
Mortensen added another intriguing nugget, particularly to San Francisco 49ers fans, who await updates on the quarterback situation.
"Jimmy Garoppolo is one [option] I would not ignore for Cleveland," Mortensen said, per Brinson.
Interesting note from @mortreport on ESPN just now while talking Baker/Browns ("they're breaking up regardless" of Watson) -- they "want an adult at" QB.
"Jimmy Garoppolo is one I would not ignore for Cleveland."
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 16, 2022
The Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons are hoping to land Watson from the Texans.
The 49ers await a resolution to the Watson situation, allowing them to look at the NFL landscape in the aftermath and potentially deal Garoppolo to a quarterback-needy team. San Francisco hoped to trade Garoppolo before the start of the new league year, which kicked off on Wednesday at 1 p.m. PT. However, he remains on the 49ers roster.
It's the start of the 2022 league year ... and Jimmy Garoppolo is still on the #49ers roster.
Just in case you were wondering.
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) March 16, 2022