The Cleveland Browns had a tough 2014 season and heading into 2015, they could look at spending on free agents and names like Julius Thomas, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and Ndamukong Suh could be potential targets, as the team has Josh Gordon suspended and they need some help on the offensive side of the ball.
The Browns finished last season with a five game losing streak and since the year has ended, things have not gotten much better. First round pick Johnny Manziel went into rehab, Josh Gordon was suspended and general manager Ray Farmer got into trouble after texting plays down from the box to the sidelines during the season. According to NFL.com, the team expects to be active in free agency and a recent report has Julius Thomas as one of the main targets for the team.
Randall Cobb and Maclin could be targets as well, as the team will be without Gordon for next year. Gordon was suspended twice in 2014, starting the season by sitting out 10 games and then he was hit again by the team after missing a walkthrough in Week 17. With Gordon out, expect the team to try and add some support at wide receiver. Cobb and Maclin are coming off of career seasons and if they get priced out of Green Bay and Philly, expect the Browns to step up.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are looking at Thomas as a target, as Jordan Cameron is not expected back. Thomas is expected to be available, as the Broncos have to focus on signing back Demaryius Thomas to a deal. Thomas is coming off of another strong season and he has made 24 TD catches over the last two years. The Browns have the cap space to make a significant offer.
Cobb comes in after having a career year with 91 catches for 1287 yards and he could be one of the top targets on the market for teams. The Green Bay Packers will do their best to keep him, but they also just signed Jordy Nelson to a big contract and also will have to sign Eddie Lacy soon. Gordon is an explosive receiver and both Cobb and Maclin could be solid replacements for him. Gordon put up his best numbers with 87 catches for 1646 yards in 2013 and last season he had 24 catches for 303 yards in five games.
Gordon had a breakout season two years ago, but since then he has been suspended multiple times and may not see the field until 2016. By that point the Browns could decide to move on and right now they could look at bringing in players to replace Gordon. The team has issues at QB with Johnny Manziel in treatment and with Brian Hoyer on the market, there is plenty of uncertainty within the organization. Adding a big name free agent would help turn things around quickly, at least from a PR standpoint. The team finished the season on a five game losing streak and will be looking for some optimism into 2015.
