The Cleveland Browns have yet to replace Josh Gordon on the roster after the leading receiver was ruled out for the entire season after violating the league's substance abuse policy. However, it appears it is not for lack of trying as the Browns have reportedly attempted to acquire multiple big names in free agency, but have yet to get a deal done. With the clock ticking, will Cleveland be forced to resort to the NFL Draft for help?
According to Cleveland.com, the Browns attempted to acquire Larry Fitzgerald before he ultimately re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals. For a brief period of time, Fitzgerald was being shopped by the team as they could not afford to keep on his $16 million salary. The end result was the wide receiver agreeing to restructure his contract and remain in Arizona, leaving the Browns empty handed.
That is not the only failed deal Cleveland has had recently. NFL sources reported the Browns were one of the teams that attempted to acquire Percy Harvin in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks during the season. The New York Jets won that race, but released Harvin in free agency where he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. There is no telling if the Browns tried to get Harvin when he became available last week. The Browns also tried to retain Jordan Cameron in free agency. At first they showed no interest in keeping the tight end, but when the Miami Dolphins started to make a move, they suddenly pushed a deal, but missed out in the end.
The Browns have not done much at the wide receiver position. They signed Brian Hartline to a deal and Marlon Moore, but still lack that big playmaking threat. Cleveland is trying to ink Dwayne Bowe to a deal which will help, but even the eight-year veteran is not enough to replace what Gordon brought to the field.
The Browns have money left to spend and could target anyone from Michael Crabtree to Hakeem Nicks, Greg Jennings or Kenny Britt. They also have two first-round picks to work with and could easily favor grabbing someone like Amari Cooper, Kevin White or DeVante Parker in the first round. They will need to get someone in if Josh McCown or Johnny Manziel are going to be successful.
