Jimmy Garoppolo

Josh McCown, who's mentored many young quarterbacks, believes Jimmy Garoppolo is the real deal.

(Steven Senne)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh McCown was sad to be released by the Browns Wednesday because he loved it here. But he says if reports are true that the Browns will try to trade for Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo, their future at quarterback is very bright.

"I've seen him on tape because we had a common opponent in Miami,'' McCown told cleveland.com Thursday. "He made some high level throws and did some things that would get you excited about his ability to maybe carry a franchise. That's definitely on the tape.''

McCown, who helped mentor Johnny Manziel and Cody Kessler, saw some Garoppolo traits that reminded him of Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers.

"I saw some things in Derek Carr early on in the 2014 draft that reminded me of Aaron Rodgers and I thought 'this guy is going to be pretty good,''' McCown said. "I see the same things when I watch Jimmy: quick release, strong arm, athletic. I'm not saying he's Aaron Rodgers, but he's got some traits in the same mold, and he's got tremendous upside.''

Garoppolo's skill set, coupled with his training in New England, make him an attractive prospect, McCown said.

"He's gained a wealth of experience from playing with a guy like Tom Brady, so I do think there's a lot of potential there and a chance to be a very special player,'' said McCown. "I certainly see why people would give him an opportunity to come in and be a franchise guy. You can certainly see that and he's making these throws at a high level against NFL talent, so that would get me excited about him for sure.''

McCown, who hopes to catch on with another team, believes the Browns should be aggressive in going after Garoppolo.

"I haven't studied him enough to go 'yeah, I'd give up the No. 1 for him.' But when you're trying to find that guy, once you land on that guy, then you go get him,'' McCown said. "Philadelphia did that last year with Carson Wentz. L.A. did that with Jared Goff. If you're convinced about a guy, you go get him and you do what's necessary to get him.

"What's the difference between using those picks on a college player and him?''

Would he give up the No. 12 pick? Grab him over a Mitch Trubisky or a Deshaun Watson?

"It just depends on how you see it,'' he said. "If you view him as that guy, people pick quarterbacks at No. 1 and No. 12 all the time. Then yes, absolutely. In my opinion, you'd be able to come to a more reliable conclusion on him than a college player because you'd have more tape on him and you can better project his skill set and he's still young.''

As for the No. 1, "that's a whole different deal because it's a balancing act between the value of No. 1 and the value to your team vs. what's out there in the QB market and where you view him. If you have to give up so much to get him and you can't put pieces around him, you may dilute your investment a little bit.''

McCown said Garoppolo's situation can't be compared to that of former Patriots backup Matt Cassel, because Garoppolo has the superior skill.

"When you turn on the tape, one has an elite skillset and one doesn't," he said. "I like Matt and he's a pro quarterback, but Jimmy has a chance to be elite.''

McCown wouldn't be opposed to the Browns trading for Garoppolo and also drafting a quarterback. He believes Cody Kessler will continue to improve.

"You need to take as many stabs at this as you can,'' he said. "That's why I wasn't as bummed out as I could've been when they released me. They need the roster spots to get this right and they're committed to it.''

McCown has also been impressed with another quarterback -- Tyrod Taylor of the Bills. Hue Jackson just hired Taylor's former quarterbacks coach David Lee. The Browns will be interested if Taylor is released before his 2017 salary of $15.5 million is guaranteed March 11.

The problem is, Taylor could be on the market by the start of free agency, and the Browns might not know right away if they can get Garoppolo. The Patriots, who are believed to be seeking a first-round pick and more, might want to create a bidding war.

As for McCown, he's disappointed to leave but confident he'll get another chance.

"That's where my heart is, to continue to play,'' he said.

He feels the Browns are in good hands with Jackson.

"I'm excited and hopeful to see the organization do well,'' he said. "I'm sad about leaving just because once you're there and you're part of the community you want to see that team succeed and so I'll be rooting for them to find success for sure.''

Of the seven teams he's played for, the Browns were one of his favorites. And if he ever wants to get into coaching, Jackson has already said he's got a job here.

"To see the way the fans support the team is special,'' he said. "You saw how crazy everyone went over the Cavs and Indians, and you just know how amazing it would be if the Browns were successful.''