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The Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers continue to deal with two different quarterback sagas ahead of the start of the upcoming regular season.
Cleveland is waiting to learn if appeals officer and former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey will suspend starter Deshaun Watson for most or all of the 2022 campaign after NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson recommended a six-game ban for the 26-year-old regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
The 49ers, meanwhile, have replaced veteran Jimmy Garoppolo with 2021 rookie Trey Lance as their QB1 and are hoping to find a buyer for Garoppolo and the $24.2 million base salary he’s owed for 2022 before they ultimately have to release the 30-year-old so his money doesn’t become guaranteed.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski insisted earlier this summer that backup Jacoby Brissett will start any games Watson misses from Week 1 through January. However, a report surfaced last week claiming that the “Browns will consider acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension significantly increases upon appeal.”
The NFL wants Watson suspended for an entire year, but Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said Monday that the signal-caller may instead serve a 10-game ban and also pay a $10 million fine so he can take the field later this fall.
According to David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport explained during an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” that he doesn’t envision the Browns trading for Garoppolo regardless of what happens with Watson’s situation.
“To answer your question about Jimmy G and the Browns, I’ve seen some reports,” Rapoport said. “I just don’t get the sense that the Browns are that interested. I just don’t. I mean, they signed Jacoby Brissett for a reason. If they trade for Jimmy G, it’s 20-plus more million dollars.
“Not that money is the biggest concern, but I checked with everyone. Maybe something will surprise me. I just do not get the sense that there’s that much interest in him.”
It’s unclear when Harvey will announce his ruling. Meanwhile, the Browns now have Brissett taking the majority of first-team practice reps so he can be ready to start the Week 1 game at the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 11.
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