After it became clear that Josh Gordon could be lost for the entire season, the Cleveland Browns signed two free agents in hopes of helping replace 2013's leading wide receiver should the need arise. Earl Bennett and Miles Austin joined the roster. Bennett was almost immediately released while Austin remains on baring any health issues. With the receiver improving heading into training camp, are the Browns still looking to make a trade once Gordon gets disciplined?
The Browns are hoping Austin can remain healthier than he did with the Dallas Cowboys. The receiver suffered ongoing hamstring issues for the better part of two years, causing him to get released in order to save salary cap space. Now Austin is in need of a little career resurgence and the Browns are confident it can happen in Cleveland. Head coach Mike Pettine praised the health progress of Austin heading into training camp, telling media the team expects big things from the veteran.
"I don't think you replace Josh, a guy of his caliber," Pettine said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "If you just look at what he did last year, he's arguably one of the top three receivers in the league. You can easily make that argument. You're not going to find somebody, so you just have to get creative in how you do it. We feel good about where Miles Austin is health wise, we're very pleased with how Andrew Hawkins came out of camp, and then Nate Burleson will be ready to go and then we have some guys we think will be ready to battle it out."
The Browns are confident they will not have to make a trade of any kind should Gordon be suspended for the season. The team has been linked to deals involving Andre Johnson, Denarius Moore and Mike Wallace to name a few. However, Cleveland will opt to watch how everyone on the roster develops during camp before making any kind of move.
While the wide receivers continue to audition for a roster spot, the running backs are competing to start. In the offseason, the Browns signed Ben Tate in free agency after his successful backup stint in Houston. They also drafted Terrance West in the NFL Draft to replace running backs like Trent Richardson and Willis McGahee. While the starting job is Tate's to lose, the team has been very impressed with West and his ability to help carry the offense.
"It's just like a lot of other positions where you have guys competing whether it's Justin Gilbert and Buster Skrine competing for that (starting cornerback) spot," said Pettine. "We weren't going to hand Justin that spot. You've got (Chris) Kirksey and Craig Robertson competing for the inside 'backer spot, Garrett Gilkey and John Greco at guard, and Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge for that second tight end spot. And the best competition might be Ben Tate and our guy from Terrance West from Towson, who I really like."
