NFL Trade Rumors: Patriots' Garoppolo, Bengals' McCarron Linked To Browns?

Speculation has surrounded the Cleveland Browns ahead of next week's NFL draft. Cleveland owns the No. 1 overall pick and the No. 12 pick, with questions swirling over whether they will keep their picks or trade for an established quarterback.

"Could we? In theory? Yes," Browns general manager Sashi Brown told ESPN on the topic of trading for a quarterback. "But are we planning on it or is that the plan? No."

Brown's comments Wednesday dispel offseason rumors. Sources told the Cleveland Plain Dealer in March that the Browns were trying to trade for the New England Patriots' Jimmy Garoppolo, while NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported in February that if the Patriots' asking price for Garoppolo is too high that the Browns would pursue the Cincinnati Bengals' A.J. McCarron.

Both Garoppolo and McCarron are current backups and both are not expected to start for their respective teams in 2017 unless a starter is injured. McCarron has one season remaining on his rookie contract.

Brown wouldn't tell ESPN if he has decided on whom to select with the top pick, but many expect it will be defensive end Myles Garrett of Texas A&M. Another draft possibility is quarterback Mitch Trubisky of North Carolina. Brown told ESPN that the club was "impressed" by Trubisky, who has climbed many mock draft boards.

The Browns are coming off a 1-15 season. The club currently has Brock Osweiler on their roster after a trade with the Houston Texans, along with 23-year-old Cody Kessler and 24-year-old Kevin Hogan.

There is a good chance that Osweiler will either be cut or traded.

Brown also suggested that Cleveland won't trade down after dealing the No. 2 overall pick in 2016.