The Cleveland Browns did not chase a top wide receiver in the NFL Draft nor did they target one during NFL free agency. After losing Josh Gordon once again for the season, the Browns struggled to replace the production he had on the field, opting for veterans rather than youth to round out the receiving rotation. That may or may not be a success which could lead the Browns to target a remaining free agent before training camp.
According to Mike Wells of ESPN.com, Reggie Wayne is garnering interest from teams before training camp as the former Indianapolis Colts veteran told the media that he intends to play one more season in the league. If healthy, Wayne could be a solid addition for the Browns as he remains a strong down-field threat for Josh McCown or Johnny Manziel to work with. Wayne is not going to accept anything higher than the veteran's minimum which makes him an easy target for the Browns to sign simply for depth.
The Browns are relying on Bowe and Brian Hartline to be their top two receivers for 2015. Bowe is confident that he will be a prime threat in Cleveland, but he has not been producing No.1 type of numbers for a few years. However, Bowe believes that playing with McCown will be the key to his success and other player's success for the Browns in 2015.
"That's what I'm going to show you guys," Bowe said, via Cleveland.com. "It's going to be exciting, especially with a new uniform, a new city, new everything, I'm going to feel good. With Alex Mack and Joe Thomas, we're going to have a lot of time to hit that deep ball even in the red zone. I never had a quarterback like Josh that was that tall and could see the mismatch and really go to it. He's got my confidence level high right now."
Cleveland has options if Wayne gets taken off the market. James Jones and Wes Welker also remain unsigned and would be quality additions for the Browns to work with. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are going to use the newly drafted Duke Johnson in a wide receiver hybrid role as they work with him as a running back as well. They also have the newly converted Terrelle Pryor who is working out with Gordon according to CBSSports.com. That should help the rotation, but getting one more playmaker on the field would not be a bad idea for the Browns who could use as much talent as they can afford.
