The Cleveland Browns needed wide receivers last year and they failed to take advantage of the strong draft class despite their number of picks in 2014. The Browns survived thanks to aging free agents and a brief return of Josh Gordon. However, entering 2015, the team needs receivers once again and cannot afford to not sign a big name. Gordon will not be on the field this season or possibly even for the franchise along with Jordan Cameron and the time is now for Cleveland to make a move.
The 2015 market for wide receivers is strong. Several big names are available along with solid potential in the draft. The Browns have former leading receiver Josh Gordon serving a year-long suspension. They have tight end Cameron looking to head elsewhere in free agency. The team needs top bodies if Josh McCown or Johnny Manziel are going to survive the season. With free agency set to begin in just over a week, the Browns are making moves.
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Browns are meeting with Brian Hartline about a potential deal. The wide receiver was a cap casualty with the Miami Dolphins, but could be one of the more affordable and productive options on the market. Hartline's numbers took a big hit in 2014 after back-to-back 1,000-yard years. However, he is one of the better slot receivers in the league, never having a season where he averaged less than 12.2 yards per catch outside of last season.
Hartline will be affordable and productive, two things the Browns desperately need. However, the team is also getting linked to names on the trade market and could strike a potential deal. Cleveland needs more than one new body in the receiver rotation. Armed with two first-round draft picks, there is no reason why the team could not sign a big name on the market and acquire one in an early round in the draft.
The Browns could be options for trades regarding either Andre Johnson or Mike Wallace. Both the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins are looking to cut ties with the wide receivers and could be willing to accept less in return. Both would be solid options to help whoever is at the quarterback spot, but they come with heavy cap hits. The Browns could target someone like Randall Cobb or Jeremy Maclin with more team-friendly deals instead.
Cleveland is expected to make moves at the position. Gordon is gone. Cameron is gone. Miles Austin, who did better than expected last season, will be gone. Playmakers must be a priority for Mike Pettine.
