The Cleveland Browns did not sign any major free agents at the open of free agency and the team is now looking at players like Dwayne Bowe and Hakeem Nicks as potential options and this comes after the team signed Brian Hartline at receiver.
According to ESPN.com, Bowe comes in after being released by the Chiefs and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that the Browns and the receiver have mutual interest. The team needs to add more weapons on offense and while they brought in Hartline, they need more depth with Andrew Hawkins. Adam Caplan reported that the Browns have "strong interest" in Bowe and he could be an option for the team on the market after Percy Harvin signed with the Bills.
Stevie Johnson was mentioned as a target by NFL.com and CBS Sports reporter Jason LaCanfora, as he was released by the 49ers. The team may look at him, while the 49ers may try and bring him back on a cheaper deal after cutting him.
--UPDATE: Mike Wallace has been traded to the Vikings after the Dolphins acquired Kenny Stills.
--UPDATE: In later news, Stevie Johnson has agreed to a deal with the New Engladn Patriots. The Browns are "determined" to sign Bowe, according to ESPN.com.
--UPDATE again: Cecil Shorts has signed with the Houston Texans.
Bowe is coming into the offseason after having a down year for the Chiefs, but with the way they put up passing numbers, it was pretty solid. Bowe has not been able to recreate what he did during his best season in 2010 when he had 15 touchdowns while making 72 catches for 1162 yards and he has just eight touchdowns in the past three seasons. Bowe has size and speed and he has been fairly durable for his career, missing just two games in the past two seasons.
Shorts is a cheaper option and he comes into the offseason after putting up solid numbers with the Jaguars. Shorts was injured last season and he likely will be one of the players to linger for a bit in free agency before getting a deal.
The Browns finished the season on a major down note and they lost five straight games and now they have Josh McCown coming in to take over as QB. The team has Johnny Manziel, but he is a mystery right now, while McCown comes in after a bad season in Tampa. The Browns let Brian Hoyer leave for the Texans and they hope that McCown can bounce back. Hartline is a solid addition, but the team likely needs more and that makes Bowe intriguing if they get any of the deals done.