The Facts: Profootballtalk.com reported today that "per a league source, there's a growing belief in some circles that the Browns will try to acquire Cousins via trade." But that's not expected to happen because of the high compensation it would take to get Cousins, and because of the high salary he would command. The Browns would likely have to give up their No. 12 pick this year and most likely at least a first-rounder next year.
Diehards Line:
Meanwhile, Plain Dealer staffer Mary Kay Cabot reports that three other teams have tried to trade for Cousins in the last 10 days or so and were quickly shot down. In addition, Cabot reports the Browns are also not believed to be interested in former Jets quarterback Geno Smith despite an NFL Network report to the contrary. The Browns will still try to make a run at Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo, and if they can't land him, they'll turn their attention to other veterans such as Cincinnati's AJ McCarron, who played for Hue Jackson in Cincinnati.