The Cleveland Browns have reportedly changed their tune. Depending on what happens with quarterback Deshaun Watson's suspension, the team will consider acquiring San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
"The Browns will consider acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension significantly increases upon appeal, league sources tell cleveland.com," wrote Cabot.
It's worth noting that Cabot doesn't say the Browns are willing to trade for Garoppolo. That could mean Cleveland might wait to see if San Francisco releases its high-priced quarterback. Of course, her wording doesn't preclude the possibility of a trade.
Cabot adds, "The Browns are awaiting the ruling of Peter C. Harvey, the designee of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who confirmed Tuesday that the league is seeking a minimum year-long ban for Watson with the chance to apply for reinstatement after the season."
#Browns will consider acquiring #49ers Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson's 6-game suspension increases https://t.co/X7EgcPw5yI
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 11, 2022
Last month, Cabot reported that the Browns were uninterested in Garoppolo, even with Watson's initial suspension on the horizon. In that report, she specifically stated that Cleveland was not interested in pursuing a trade.
"The Browns are still not expected to pursue a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo even with the uncertainty over Deshaun Watson's suspension," Cabot wrote in July. "The Browns never seriously considered trading for Garoppolo this offseason, even before Watson hit the trade market in March when a grand jury declined to indict him on criminal charges."
Garoppolo has been building his throwing stamina by working on the side at the 49ers' facility in Santa Clara. The team has been trying to trade the veteran quarterback all offseason. However, Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery on March 8, taking the 49ers by surprise and halting all trade talks.
The Browns have the most salary cap space in the NFL at nearly $49 million, per OverTheCap.com. The team also has what many expect to be a competitive roster that can offer Garoppolo a chance to shine before becoming a free agent in 2023.