The Cleveland Browns are coming into the offseason after a disappointing finish to 2014 with Johnny Manziel and after signing Dwayne Bowe to a deal, players like Greg Jennings, Rob Housler and Stevan Ridley could be potential free agent options and this comes as the team may target Marcus Mariota, DeVante Parker or Todd Gurley in the draft.
The Browns lost Jordan Cameron to the Miami Dolphins in free agency and according to ESPN.com, the team could look at Rob Housler as a free agent option. Jeremy Fowler at ESPN reports that the Browns "consider Housler an option" in free agency and it comes as they have Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge already on the roster. The team previously spoke with Ed Dixon, but he ended up back with the Panthers. Jermaine Gresham would have been a target, but he ended up needing back surgery and likely will remain on the market until the summer.
The Browns also targeted Charles Clay, but he ended up signing an offer sheet with the Buffalo Bills for a staggering five years and nearly $40 million. Fowler writes that the team and Housler have mutual interest and he could be a low cost option after missing out on Clay and Cameron. Housler was not used much last season, but he is athletic and could be a good replacement for Cameron in the offense. Last season Housler had just nine catches for 129 yards while playing in 15 games for the Cardinals.
The team had a need a wide receiver and filled it partially with Dwayne Bowe in free agency and the team also could look at Jennings or the draft for more depth. The team reportedly is interested in trading up for Marcus Mariota, but if they don't end up doing that, players like Kevin White and DeVante Parker could be targets. According to Charles Robinson on Twitter, the team will consider Parker if he remains on the board at number 12, as he is a speedy receiver that could help out the offense with Josh Gordon facing a season long suspension.
The Browns are in good position to make a move on Mariota if they want to, as they have two first round picks and the most overall selections in the draft of any team. Mariota has been mentioned in connection with numerous teams, including the Browns, Jets, Chargers and Redskins. The team will have competition to trade up for Mariota and that could be why they sit tight with Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel.
Manziel had a tough end to the season and this offseason he entered himself into a rehab facility to help with some of his issues. According to ESPN.com, Manziel is expected back for the Browns soon and head coach Mike Pettine said he would be ready to start offseason workouts in April. McCown is expected to be the starter this season and even if the team, trades up for Marcus Mariota, he likely will stay number one on the depth chart.
The Browns have made a number of significant moves for 2015, including adding McCown and receivers Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe on offense. The team also added potential starters in Randy Starks and Tramon Williams.
