The Cleveland Browns are slowly starting to put their offensive attack into motion with some key free agent signings. Loaded with two first round picks, the team has added Ben Tate to replace Trent Richardson and Willis McGahee along with players on the offensive line. Still in need of a quarterback, the Browns have signed a new wide receiver that makes their quarterback future a little more clear.
The Browns have been looking to add more fire power at the wide receivers corps. With Greg Little, Josh Gordon and Andrew Hawkins, they needed another threat. The Browns looked poised to grab one as early as the first round, but after signing veteran Nate Burleson over the weekend, that might not be necessary.
Cleveland announced the signing of Burleson to a one-year deal, confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Detroit Lions player was released as a salary cap move after two seasons of injuries. He only played nine games last season after breaking his arm, putting up 461 yards off 39 catches. He did record one of the highest reception rates in the league, catching 73.6 percent of his passes.
The addition of Burleson is a good one for Cleveland. The veteran was known for his vocal leadership in Detroit and positive locker room presence. With the Browns being filed with so much youth on both sides of the field, Burleson will have plenty of opportunities to make his presence felt. He will pair up well next to leading receiver Josh Gordon and create a solid offensive attack.
With Burleson signed, the Browns no longer have to rush to draft a player like Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans. Their first pick in the draft can and will likely be used for a quarterback. The Browns have the No. 4 overall pick. That will leave them out of the running for Manziel, despite the visit he is scheduled to make prior to the draft. However, the Browns have been high on both Blake Bortles and Derek Carr. One of them will get drafted with that first pick. Cleveland has said getting Jadeveon Clowney could be an option, but that is merely to drive up his stock.
With Brian Hoyer as the lone quarterback on the roster for Cleveland, getting the best player available is an immediate need. They will now be able to get a rookie with the first pick and let the competition play out.
