The Cleveland Browns could be looking at spending big in free agency and names like Randall Cobb, Demaryius Thomas, Jeremy Maclin, Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Wallace, Torrey Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Cecil Shorts and Eddie Royal could be potential options after Josh Gordon was suspended for the 2015 season for violating his NFL rules.
The Browns are projected to have over $45 million in cap space this offseason, according to Over the Cap, and they could have more depending on what cuts they make. The Browns had a miserable end to the season and they could look at spending their way out of it, as this free agent class is deep and talented. Adam Schefter at ESPN.com identified some potential free agent targets for the team past Brian Hoyer at QB, with Maclin, Cobb, Ndamukong Suh, Byron Maxwell and Cecil Shorts as potential options.
Last season the team had to go most of the year without Josh Gordon and now they will have to do the same in 2015. The WR class in free agency is deep and if the team can't convince a big name like Demaryius Thomas or Cobb to sign, they likely will go after players like Nicks, Maclin and Torrey Smith. Trade options and veteran releases also could be targets, with Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Wallace and Andre Johnson as potential names that could move.
The Browns ranked 20th in passing yards per game last season and they need to improve in that area to get better in 2015. The team could go hard at either Maclin or Cobb, as their teams could get a bit priced out if they go too high. Maclin comes in after a career season, making 85 catches for 1318 yards and 10 touchdowns a year after missing the 2013 season with an injury. The Eagles want to keep him, but Chip Kelly may not break the bank for Maclin and that could open him up to other teams.
Randall Cobb comes in after also having a career year with 91 catches for 1287 yards and he could be one of the top targets on the market for teams. The Green Bay Packers will do their best to keep him, but they also just signed Jordy Nelson to a big contract and also will have to sign Eddie Lacy soon. Gordon is an explosive receiver and both Cobb and Maclin could be solid replacements for him. Gordon put up his best numbers with 87 catches for 1646 yards in 2013 and last season he had 24 catches for 303 yards in five games.
Gordon had a breakout season two years ago, but since then he has been suspended multiple times and may not see the field until 2016. By that point the Browns could decide to move on and right now they could look at bringing in players to replace Gordon. The team has issues at QB with Johnny Manziel in treatment and with Brian Hoyer on the market, there is plenty of uncertainty within the organization. Adding a big name free agent would help turn things around quickly, at least from a PR standpoint. The team finished the season on a five game losing streak and will be looking for some optimism into 2015.
