The Cleveland Browns missed out on the top free agent players in 2015, but with names like Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin, Stevie Johnson, Vince Wilfork, Jermaine Gresham and Hakeem Nicks available there are some solid players out on the market and they may look at targeting some, with reports having interest in Bowe after his release from the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to ESPN.com, Jeremy Fowler reports that the Browns and Bowe have "mutual interest" after his release this past week and sources report they could meet this weekend. Fowler writes that the team may look at adding depth with Brian Hartline alongside Andrew Hawkins, as they have Josh Gordon set for a suspension in 2015. The team almost brought back Jordan Cameron, but that situation is in flux with Charles Clay and that could lead to the Browns looking for another player.
Cameron nearly had a deal and now reports have him with the Dolphins and Charles Clay to the Bills. The Browns had interest in Clay and now they may go after other names like Gresham or Chandler. Gresham is a free agent from the Bengals and he is not expected to re-sign, while Chandler was released by the Bills. The Bills appear ready to get Clay and that is why they cut Chandler loose and he could be a potential option if Gresham signs elsewhere.
Stevie Johnson was released by the San Francisco 49ers after they brought in Torrey Smith and now he is a target for the Browns, according to Jason LaCanfora at CBS Sports. La Canfora also reports that Bowe is a target for the Browns and it comes after Bowe was released by the Chiefs, as he was a disappointment after signing a five-year, $56-million contract. The team added Jeremy Maclin in free agency and that led to the release of Bowe and he comes in after averaging nearly 70 catches over the last eight years, according to ESPN.com. Bowe and the Chiefs did not always put up great passing numbers, but Bowe also did not have a touchdown last season and now he is on the market.
Bowe had his best season in 2010 when he had 72 catches for 1162 yards and career high 15 touchdowns, but he did not come close to the numbers in any year but 2011. During that's season he had 81 catches for 1159 yards and five touchdowns, but in the next three years he only made eight touchdowns and had 60 catches or less in each season. Percy Harvin is also on the market and could be an option if Bowe or Johnson sign elsewhere.
Harvin was released by the Jets and comes in after putting up 51 catches for 583 yards while playing in New York and Seattle last season. The Patriots and Buffalo Bills are also interested in Harvin and could look at signing him. Johnson could be an option to come back to the 49ers after his release, as Pro Football Talk reports he could look at signing a new contract for less money. Johnson had 35 catches in 13 games last season after coming over from the Buffalo Bills.