3 Wide Receivers Browns Could Sign to Replace Josh Gordon
The Cleveland Browns drafted Johnny Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft with hopes he’d be the franchise’s savior at the quarterback position. He very well might be.
Unfortunately, a once solid supporting cast was dealt a significant blow just a day after the Browns brought on Johnny Football, as news broke that star wide receiver Josh Gordon could miss the entire year due to a suspension from the league.
While an exact length of the suspension isn’t yet known, any amount of time without his top target in the passing game could hinder Manziel’s development. If Gordon is out for the entire season or even half of it, the Browns will naturally have to consider bringing in some help at wide receiver.
Cleveland’s current top receivers are just Greg Little, Andrew Hawkins and Nate Burleson. They’d have to at least consider adding one or two more bodies to make sure Manziel has the best chance to succeed if he indeed starts as a rookie.
Let’s take a look at three solid free agent options the Browns might think about adding:
Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys)
Austin was a borderline elite wide receiver just three years ago, but countless issues with his hamstrings have derailed a once promising career. Nothing guarantees those issues would suddenly go away, but he still has the talent to help out if Cleveland wants to bring him on.
Santonio Holmes (New York Jets)
Holmes was a big play-maker for the Steelers but really never showed that form on a consistent basis with the Jets, while his last two seasons in New York were ruined by injury (17 missed games). He’s probably about past his prime at 30, but should still have the speed and experience to help out. He’d just need to focus on staying healthy.
Laurent Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Robinson can physically still play the game. He tore it up for the Dallas Cowboys in 2011 (11 touchdowns) and earned a big contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. However, he’s been out of football since due to serious concussion issues. Considering it’s been over a year since he’s played, Robinson should be healthy enough to take the field if the Browns will have him.
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