Cleveland Browns: Targeting Free Agent Wide Receivers

The first Cleveland Browns free agent target is likely to be a wide receiver. The Browns head into free agency with the third largest amount of cap space according to estimates by Overthecap.com. Additionally, there are thirty-five players on the current roster that could be cut prior to June 1st without generating any dead money towards the cap. With all this room to maneuver, the Browns look to be very active in free agency.

In the first year of his tenure, Browns general manager Ray Farmer did a good job with free agency. According to analysis by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, running back Ben Tate was their only real 2014 bust and will count as $750,000 of dead money, by far the largest single hit to the cap. This is encouraging, since Farmer was only hired in February of 2014 and had virtually no time to prep for off season personnel moves. Farmer stated in his NFL Combine press conference that the organization will be “more prepared” than in 2014.

The team should be prepared to pick up a veteran wide receiver to replace the suspended Josh Gordon, and there are quite a few big names hitting the market this year. The Browns have traditionally targeted veterans at this position, signing low-risk, high-reward contracts like last year’s deal with Miles Austin. His contract’s blueprint could be used on several of this year’s free agents.

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The Unlikely Acquisitions

Dez Bryant. Demaryius Thomas. How amazing would it be to see either of these players sporting a Cleveland Browns jersey?

What would be even more amazing is if either of them actually hit the open market. In Dallas, owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that Dez is the priority. Although, as Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com reports, neither side is happy about using the franchise tag in this situation, there’s no way it won’t come in to play if a deal can’t be hammered out.

Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 37-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The same is true in Denver, where the franchise tag has already been dusted off for Thomas. It’s unlikely that a deal can be reached, as reported by Rotoworld of NBC Sports, in the last few days before free agency hits and Thomas, despite stating to NFL Network’s Dan Hellie back in December that he would take a hometown discount, showed some reluctance more recently when speaking of the situation to Sports Illustrated. The uncertainty surrounding Payton Manning would make any ball catcher nervous about signing a long term deal, so I can’t fault Thomas for wanting to get through a lucrative 2015 season and roll the dice again next time.

Like the Browns, the Philadelphia Eagles need a veteran presence at wide receiver, and they have one in Jeremy Maclin. As Marc Sessler of NFL.com noted, the absence of DeSean Jackson, who was released by the team last year, was felt throughout the season. Maclin is a solid starter who excels in the system. He’s a candidate for the franchise tag as well.

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) rushes with the football after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Money

While Randall Cobb and Torrey Smith are likely to be re-signed by their current teams, it’s possible that one might get away. If so, Cleveland should be prepared to offer high.

Cobb is especially likely to provoke a bidding war. At just 24, he has a long future of quality play ahead of him. The Green Bay Packers have the cap room to sign him to a long term contract, but they also have other good young receivers, such as Davante Adams, and an aging defense. If the price isn’t right, the Packers may let him walk.

The Baltimore Ravens have been quiet on their plans for Smith, and it’s much more likely he’ll be the premiere receiver on the market. The going price for a top quality receiver is around $8 million a year. This would put Smith among the top five highest paid positions on the Browns, along with Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden, Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and All-Pro tackle Joe Thomas.

Smith is an intriguing possibility for the Browns, but he’s not a sure fit for the system. Smith’s speed makes him a huge vertical threat and there’s no guarantee Cleveland will have a quarterback with the strength and accuracy to throw down field. At this price, the Browns may be better served passing on him in favor of a true slot receiver.

Sep 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (84) tries to move upfield against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. Oakland won 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The Possible Steals

The remaining big names on the market all have potential downsides but could make a great acquisition if a deal can be reached similar to Austin’s 2014 deal. The key here will be to avoid over-paying when competing with other teams seeking wide receivers in free agency.

Michael Crabtree heads the list. His 2014 production was disappointing and the San Francisco 49ers have other needs. Cecil Shorts has been a name associated with the Browns in numerous reports (such as this one by Matt Fitzgerald of Bleacher Report), and is a Cleveland native. Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt and Eddie Royal are all solid veterans who could potentially revive their careers with a change of venue, and should be available at bargain prices. The risk factor with all of these players is the likelihood of injury.

But are any of these moves ones the Browns will make? A big factor in the decision will be the quarterback situation and plan moving forward. Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins showed last year that a talented player can put together a decent season, even with shaky quarterback play.

This year the team will be looking for both those positions to improve. A good way to do that will be for the Cleveland Browns to target a wide receiver in free agency.

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