NFL Draft rumors: Browns price to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo

It’s no secret the Browns need a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft, but is it possible they trade for one instead?

The Cleveland Browns seem to always find themselves in headlines involving available quarterbacks or the top ones in the NFL Draft. That will happen to any team that hasn’t been able to identify a franchise caliber guy.

The 2017 NFL Draft is only five days away and many expect the Browns to address their need at quarterback with their two high picks in the first-round. Don’t rule out the possibility of them actually trading for a quarterback instead.

According to CBS’ Pete Prisco, he believes the Browns can acquire Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo if they’re willing to give up a second round pick next year and the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft.

The Browns have been linked to Garoppolo for months and will continue to be until they add a quarterback with clear upside. The Patriots and Browns reportedly discussed compensation for Garoppolo at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, but it seemed the Patriots were not willing to part with the young quarterback as they view him as premium insurance to Tom Brady.

Of course, every player has a price in this business, especially one that doesn’t contribute on the field. The Patriots may be willing to deal Garoppolo to get back in the first-round after sending pick No. 32 to New Orleans in exchange for Brandin Cooks.

The Patriots still showing apparent interest in first-round prospects should also be able to add fuel to the fire for these rumors as well. The Browns front office is also reportedly infatuated with top quarterback prospect Mitchell Trubisky. He’s also still in consideration for the team’s first overall selection.

If the Browns opt to take Myles Garrett with the first pick as expected and lose out on Trubisky, trading for Garoppolo might be their backup plan on draft night. Garoppolo is entering the final deal of his rookie contract and the Patriots could lose him for nothing. The team could simply just be playing poker hoping the Browns meet their asking price.

Next: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Browns upgrade defense significantly in first round

We’ll see if this deal finally takes place on draft night, but don’t be too shocked if it does. There’s definitely a chance.