Adam Schefter reports that the Browns reached out to the Patriots during the first day of the NFL draft and continue to have interest in a possible trade for QB Jimmy Garoppolo. (1:46)

The Cleveland Browns inquired Thursday night about trading for New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and were told, once again, the Patriots were not interested, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Colossal prices were paid for quarterbacks by the Chicago Bears (No. 2, Mitchell Trubisky), Kansas City Chiefs (No. 10, Patrick Mahomes II) and Houston Texans (No. 12, Deshaun Watson). The Chiefs and Texans each gave up 2017 and 2018 first-round picks -- in addition to other high selections -- to take those quarterbacks, while the Bears dealt this year's first-rounder among four picks in this draft and next.

It marked the first time in the common draft era (since 1967) that three teams traded up on draft day for a quarterback in the first round.

The Browns shipped the 12th pick to the Texans, who selected Watson, but perhaps that deal wouldn't have unfolded if the Patriots had been willing to deal Garoppolo.

In trading for Jimmy Garoppolo now, the 49ers have the chance to get him into coach Kyle Shanahan's system and control his rights with the franchise or transition tag should they be unable to sign him to a long-term contract extension. Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

The 25-year-old Garoppolo started the Patriots' first two games of 2016 as Tom Brady served a four-game suspension as part of the NFL's Deflategate penalties. In those two games, Garoppolo completed more than 71 percent of his passes for 496 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Garoppolo injured his right throwing shoulder late in the second quarter of his second start and then missed the team's next two games.

A 2014 second-round pick out of Eastern Illinois, Garoppolo is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of $820,077. Once again expected to be Brady's top backup this year, Garoppolo is scheduled for unrestricted free agency after the season. The Patriots also have 2016 third-round draft choice Jacoby Brissett on the quarterback depth chart behind Brady, who turns 40 on Aug. 3.

As for the Browns, this marks the second year in a row that they have passed on drafting a quarterback in the first round despite a need at the position. In 2016, they traded the second overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected quarterback Carson Wentz.

Cody Kessler, a 2016 third-round pick out of Southern California, is currently projected as the Browns' starting quarterback.

While the Browns inquired about Garoppolo, one quarterback they never inquired about trading for is Kirk Cousins. Browns GM Sashi Brown called the possibility that the team tried to acquire Cousins "bad reporting."

ESPN Browns reporter Pat McManamon contributed to this report.