The wide receiver roster for the Cleveland Browns is wide open. The looming suspension of leading receiver Josh Gordon has thrown everything for a loop and has left the team scrambling for options. After signing two free agents off the open market and dropping another, the Browns are still not down making moves. According to general manager Ray Farmer, the Browns intend to explore every option at wide receiver in order to set their starting quarterback up for success.
The Browns' receiving corps looked strong prior to the news of Gordon's potential suspension. The wide receiver had a breakout season last year. Cleveland then added Nate Burleson who was released for salary cap purposes from the Detroit Lions. Pairing them with Greg Little and tight end Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate in the backfield looked like the making of a strong offensive unit. However, now Little is gone and Gordon could out for the season.
Cleveland did not draft a rookie despite having every opportunity to get the best available. However, they did sign Miles Austin and Earl Bennett to free agent deals. Bennett could be very good. Austin has several question marks surrounding him thanks to hamstring issues. As a result, the Browns are still exploring potential moves.
"I'm open to every avenue. We're going to unearth every guy that's available," Farmer said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
A trade for Andre Johnson has already been denied. The Houston Texans are dealing with wide receiver drama, but for at least one more season the veteran will remain on the roster. The Browns simply do not have trade pieces right now to get a franchise star. That leaves Oakland Raiders receiver Denarius Moore as the best target.
Moore is 25 and expendable. The Raiders signed James Jones in free agency while also claiming Little after his release. Moore is talented, but inconsistent and fell out of favor with coaches after several key dropped passes. According to ESPN.com's Tony Grossi, there is a 50-50 chance the Browns make a trade and if they do, Moore is their target.
Cleveland will no doubt continue to call about Johnson. The long he sits out OTAs the more frustrated the team will be. However, Moore is a very realistic get for the Browns. He was a fifth-round pick so his return price is not that high. The Browns could easily give up a late-round draft pick for the receiver. Not to mention he has just one more year remaining on his contract and owed just over $1 million in 2014. He will not break the bank and could perform well under Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel.