The Cleveland Browns continue to work through their coaching staff changes while questions still remain over some of their biggest players on the roster. Fans continue to sit in the dark over the futures of quarterback Johnny Manziel and wide receiver Josh Gordon as the Browns keep hinting at potential changes. If both stars were to be out in 2015, who will come in to replace them?
It is not news that the Browns are frustrated with Gordon. Yes, when the wide receiver is on the field he is a true threat and their biggest offensive threat. However, Gordon's games suspended is greater than games played over the past two years which has the Browns considering moving on from the wide receiver. Cleveland.com makes a case for trading the wide receiver and it does not appear head coach Mike Pettine is looking to argue the idea.
"It's not the ability, but at some point you get tired of using the word potential,'' Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "This offseason for him puts him squarely in a crossroads with us. Clearly a disappointing way for him to end the year. But at the same time, Josh right now is a Cleveland Brown. We want to take care of our own, but at the same time we're going to hold our guys accountable. I think everybody recognizes the talent that's there, but this isn't an individual sport."
The Browns could probably get a trade for the wide receiver, but if most teams are under the impression that the Browns will simply release Gordon, they will not offer up much for him. The team could have some solid options in free agency including Randall Cobb, Demaryius Thomas and Jeremy Maclin. They could be the better options instead of trying to escalate trades for Larry Fitzgerald or Mike Wallace.
Once the Browns get that situation taken care of, eyes will shift to the quarterback spot and that rumored draft deal for Marcus Mariota. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Browns were extremely interested in a move up for the Oregon quarterback. Ray Farmer confirmed interest in drafting a quarterback. If the new offensive coordinator has doubt surrounding Manziel, the Browns will make a change.