The Cleveland Browns have their eyes on the future. The team understands this season is over and done with and now they must focus on rebuilding for the future. Part of that will come with deciding the future of the quarterback position while also needing to re-tool their offensive weapons. The Browns have underwhelmed in the receiver position in 2015, but one thing is certain, after the departure of Jordan Cameron, Gary Barnidge was the MVP of the season.
The Browns like what they have in Barnidge and are aiming to keep him around for the long-term. According to ESPN.com confirmed by the Cleveland Browns, the tight end signed an extension on Thursday to the tune of three years and $12 million. Barnidge was set to become a free agent this offseason and the Browns recognized they could not afford to lose him to the open market. The tight end has a team-high 60 catches with 817 receiving yards in total. For as unimpressive as the Browns have been this year, those numbers were the highlight.
"It's a tremendous honor that Cleveland has the faith in me," Barnidge said, via the team site. "I want to be here whenever we turn this thing around. I know we haven't had the season we wanted this year but I'm looking forward to the future and getting everything turned around."
So who will join the Barnidge as the future in Cleveland? One thing the Browns have going for them is a successful, young running back rotation. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson are locked in for next season which means the ground game should be stable. Travis Benjamin is hopeful he can join them. The leading receiver made comments earlier in the season that his return to the Browns would depend on the coaching staff, something he later downplayed. Now, Benjamin is telling that media that he would like to stick around. According to Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Benjamin said he was optimistic that a deal could get done. One thing is certain, if Benjamin lets himself hit the market, plenty of teams will be ready to make a move.
Johnny Manziel is the biggest question mark. Head coach Mike Pettine told the media that the quarterback is auditioning for a role in the future. With another top pick coming to Cleveland, they can easily opt to grab a quarterback or make a trade in the offseason. Manziel's play over the next four weeks will dictate whether or not that happens.
