For now it appears that wide receivers like Andre Johnson and Mike Wallace are not available for trading. That could easily change come training camp time, but both leading men are remaining on their respective rosters for now. That leaves the Cleveland Browns exploring the rest of the market in hopes of bringing someone in that can possibly replace Josh Gordon. Ray Farmer is still thinking big when it comes to trades.
The Browns are facing the real possibility that leading receiver Josh Gordon will be out for the entire season. After not drafting someone to replace him, the Browns opted to sign Miles Austin and Earl Bennett to contracts. That simply will not be enough. Austin has yet to called healthy enough to play. A troublesome hamstring continues to plague him and there really is no guarantee that he will play a majority of the 2014 season. He cannot be counted on. Bennett is not a terrible option, but failed to stand out with the Chicago Bears, being overshadowed by Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. His best season came his rookie year when he put up 717 yards while averaging 13.3 yards per catch.
Johnson and Wallace are not available. Yes, Johnson is unhappy and is not at OTAs right now putting him in bad standing with the coaching staff. However, he is their best offensive player and at least for one more season he will suit up in a Houston uniform. Wallace is in the same position. He disappointed big time his first year with the Miami Dolphins, but the team is holding out hope that he can learn and develop into the top target they thought they were signing in the first place. Wallace will get at least one more season.
That leaves the best trading options to be Denarius Moore or Ryan Broyles. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer states that it is a 50-50 chance that the Browns trade for a wide receiver, likely holding out until the official suspension is handed to Gordon. If they do, these two are the best available.
ESPN.com is reporting that while the Raiders have not made it public knowledge, they are shopping Moore around to see if anyone is interested. The wide receiver has faced some inconsistencies since getting drafted by the team, but a move to a different team could be just what he needs to get his career started. Moore is still young and would be an excellent threat to whichever quarterback is throwing him the ball.
Broyles in another player that is only available at the right price. The wide receiver is the odd man out on a crowded roster and while the coaching staff continues to support his development, they will send him packing if the Browns show interest. Broyles is coming off two injury plagued seasons, but if healthy he could really develop into something strong.
With Santonio Holmes the only real talent left on the free agent market, a trade is the more ideal way to go. The Browns will not want to give up too much, making Moore or Broyles the better targets.