NFL Draft rumors: Browns trying to trade for Kirk Cousins?

 The Cleveland Browns may miss out on a top quarterback they like in the draft, but that does not mean they aren’t trying to make a big move.

The Cleveland Browns went with Texas A&M defense end Myles Garrett with the first overall pick Thursday night, and any chance they had to get North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky with the No. 12 pick went away when the Chicago Bears moved up to No. 2 to get him.

The Browns may still have their pick of Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and others when they go on the clock at No. 12, but they may have a significant veteran on their radar.

The Browns were rumored to be interested in pursuing Cousins back in March, and his status under the franchise tag this year would not prevent drafting a quarterback as a long-term option. They also have plenty of salary cap space to take on Cousins’ $23.94 million for this year.

It seems the Redskins have cooled on any possibility of trading Cousins, but he is also probably entering his final season in Washington. So getting something for him now could be back on the table quickly, and the Browns have the draft pick capital to make a significant offer.

Cousins recently said he wants to be where he is wanted, and with the Redskins’ hesitancy to sign him to a long-term deal that place could be Cleveland right now. It’s a long way between trying and a deal actually getting done, but the Browns seem to have some faith Cousins can end the long-running chaos for the franchise at the most important position on the field.

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The Browns have to find something they can latch on to for stability, besides an All-Pro left tackle. Not over thinking and making Garrett the No. 1 overall pick was a good start on Thursday night, and if they can swing a deal for Cousins Cleveland would be one of the winners of Day 1 of the draft.