The Cleveland Browns may be committed to Josh Gordon for the long term, but in the short term, they need to replace his production. With a year-long suspension looming for the leading wide receiver, the Browns have to make a move in order to help the offense move forward in 2014. Cleveland signed several free agents off the market to help with the potential absence of Gordon, but would a trade be the smarter move in 2014?
A decision on Gordon should be coming before training camp. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Gordon's agent Drew Rosenhaus noted that a decision regarding the wide receiver's suspension for drug use should be coming "soon" The Browns are expecting a ruling before they report to training camp. Losing Gordon is a blow to the offense in a big way. Even after missing two games last season, he still managed 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. As the Browns prepare to start Brian Hoyer or rookie Johnny Manziel, those numbers will be needed.
The Browns signed Miles Austin in the offseason in hopes that he can help replace Gordon should the receiver miss a significant amount of time. Austin has spent most of the past two years injured, forcing the Dallas Cowboys to move on from their one-time star receiver. Can Austin bounce back in Cleveland? In an interview with the News Herald, Austin is confident that he can remain healthy and make an impact with the Browns coming into 2014.
"I'm fortunate to be in this situation and have another opportunity to go out and prove myself again," Austin said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. Regardless (the year), I always felt I had to go out and prove myself. I'm looking forward to going out and playing again. I'm going to go out there and try my best whether I'm blocking, catching, being a good teammate or doing what needs to be done in the locker room or on the field. That's really what my goal is."
However, what if Austin does not improve, then the Browns are left with a lot of question marks. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Browns are still very much in talks to acquire Andre Johnson should the Houston Texans be forced to make a move. The wide receiver has gone silent since complaining about the direction of the Texans at the start of the offseason. Financially, the Texans will not make a move, but if Johnson continues to pitch a fit, Cleveland might try to strike a deal. Oakland Raiders' receiver Denarius Moore could also be an option. Currently on a crowded roster, Moore could be the odd man out and come to Cleveland as a productive asset.
