The Cleveland Browns are expected to pursue Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Browns are desperate to find a franchise quarterback. The Browns hold 12 picks in the 2017 NFL Draft which means they will have the option to take anyone of their choosing. However, it appears Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo may be their number one target. Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com first reported the Browns potential pursuit of Garoppolo.

With Tom Brady still playing at the top of his game, the Patriots could be motivated to seek a trade as Jimmy G will only have 1 year remaining on his contract. It remains to be seen what the price tag will be on Garoppolo but considering how much the Eagles hoisted from the Vikings, one would think the price may be even higher.

The Browns thought process could be stemming from the fact that Deshaun Watson turned down the request from the team to participate in the Senior Bowl. Would Watson pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the organization too? Acquiring Garoppolo would allow Cleveland to take the best player available in the draft Myles Garrett who is considered a can’t miss Von Miller type of player.