The Cleveland Browns have other issues they must sort out other than their quarterback drama. Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer might be occupying the offseason headlines, but several other players have their futures hanging in the balances. With the offense preparing to go through changes as a new coordinator takes over, both Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are waiting to find out if they will have a chance to be a part of it or not.
The Browns were clearly upset with how Gordon opted to end his season. The wide receiver started the year suspended before making his way back with just a handful of games left, but then ended the season with a suspension as well after missing practice. Cleveland is frustrated simply because Gordon is their biggest offensive threat and yet the wide receiver continues to struggle to live up to his billing. This has left head coach Mike Pettine to admit the relationship could be ending sooner rather than later.
"Clearly a disappointing way for him to end the year," Pettine said, via Cleveland.com. "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 gonna hold our guys accountable. I think everybody recognizes the talent that's there, but this isn't an individual sport. You have to be accountable to your coaching staff, you have to be accountable to your teammates, more importantly. That's the thing that we have to get (right) with Josh. It's not the ability. At some point, you get tired of using the word potential."
Bleacher Report makes the case for the Browns to trade Gordon as soon as possible hinting that trying to get someone like Amari Cooper in the draft would be the best way to replace him. Gordon will not be a restricted free agent until 2016, but he has become the reoccurring headache for the Browns. The wide receiver still holds value in the league despite his offseason issues and getting rid of him could be the best move Cleveland makes.
Cameron is likely the second-best player on the Browns offense and his contract is officially expiring this offseason. The tight end is expected to command a good deal of money despite coming off a frustrating year. However, according to ESPN, Cameron is the second-best tight end in the league behind Jimmy Graham. He could be the best safety blanket for whoever is playing quarterback in 2015. According to Cameron, he would love to finish his career in Cleveland.
"It'd be cool to finish here. I started here," Cameron said. "There's a lot of factors that go into it and I haven't given it thought. I've been focused solely on the games being played. Now it's time to think about it and I'll sit down with my agent, but right now it's up in the air and there's a lot of stuff that has to go into me coming back here."
On top of the Gordon and Cameron contracts, the Browns are eyeing draft trades for a quarterback. They are also determining if re-signing Hoyer is the best move to make for the future. As Cleveland continues to interview offensive coordinators, their roster could look much different for whoever comes in.
