NFL Rumors: Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel

Welcome to the mid-week edition of NFL rumors on Full Press Coverage.

Training camps across the league open next week and player movement has been slow, to say the least. However, there is still the looming suspension for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

And that’s where we start as we look at the latest rumors circulating around the NFL.

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Cleveland Browns – QB Deshaun Watson

Rumor: The Cleveland Browns are “quietly bracing for an eight-game suspension” for quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Eight games is a far cry from a season-long absence which many feel is warranted considering the scope of the Watson case. However, if it is “just” eight games, the Browns can breathe a sigh of relief because they could theoretically keep their head above water for the first half of the season while they wait for Watson. With Baker Mayfield now in Carolina, Jacoby Brissett would be the starter for the Browns for the duration of the Watson suspension, however, they will likely have to sign a veteran to serve as a backup for those two months. If the suspension is eight games, Watson would be eligible to return on November 20th against the Buffalo Bills.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo – Trade On The Horizon?

Rumor: 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has “ramped up” his rehab and has begun throwing and, depending on the length of the Deshaun Watson suspension, the Browns could emerge as a suitor for the 30-year-old, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

If the Browns do pursue Garoppolo, it would reunite him with former Patriots teammate and current backup, Jacoby Brisset, with whom he won a Super Bowl with backing up Tom Brady in New England. According to Ian Rapoport, Garoppolo is expected to be cleared by mid-August. In the report in The Athletic, the Seahawks and Texans are seen as more of a long shot as they are rebuilding teams as opposed to the Browns who have all the talent to compete in the AFC. Of course, the move would benefit the Browns as it could keep them in contention in the competitive AFC, however, this could give Garoppolo a chance to rehab and set him up for a chance to pick his destination (and increase his value) in 2023.

Is A Deebo Samuel Contract Extension Looming?

Rumor: Per a video posted by 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel’s trainer, he exclaims that the wideout is about to “get paid”, via NBCSports in San Francisco.

49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been the subject of many rumors over the last month after requesting a trade out of the Bay Area, however, with training camp on the horizon and the prospect of moving to a new team diminishing, it looks as though the two sides may be coming to an agreement. Now, this could be nothing more than a hype video by his trainer, however, with teams unwilling to match the 49ers’ price or San Francisco not listening to offers, Samuel was running out of options if he wanted to play under a long-term deal in 2022.