The Cleveland Browns signed Dwayne Bowe in hopes that he could regain his Pro Bowl form that he had in Kansas City and be the main downfield target for the quarterbacks. Bowe did a lot of talking as he entered the season, stressing that he could still play and would put up big numbers for the Browns. However, through two games of play Bowe has yet to make a catch on the field and is now at risk of getting cut in the near future.
Bowe has played on eight plays for the Browns through two games. The wide receiver entered the year with a hamstring injury that hampered him in the preseason, but was not expected to linger during the year. Whether the hamstring is the reason for Bowe's production or not, Cleveland has a big issue with what is happening with the veteran. The team inked Bowe to a contract that guarantees him $9 million. They are expecting more than eight plays and no catches from the receiver and they are not getting it.
UPDATE: Josh McCown has been cleared to start after suffering a concussion. He likely will start Week 3. Check here for more.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Cleveland Browns would like to release Bowe and potentially sign someone else, but his contract is preventing the team from making the move. Getting rid of Bowe will not be cheap and would be seen as a failed move by the Browns. The receiver certainly had his red flags are not recording a touchdown in 2014, but the Browns still felt he was worth a two-year deal and would have to admit an expensive mistake.
The chances Bowe is released are slim. The Browns will simply have to hold out and hope he gets healthy and begins making better plays going forward. What helps Cleveland is the production they are getting from Travis Benjamin who has three scores on the season, Andrew Hawkins in the slot and Bran Hartline running the sidelines. That is enough to get the job done right now, but does not set the Browns up for any kind of success in the future.
Cleveland has a young offense. With the rise of players like Johnny Manziel, Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell this season, they have pieces in place for the future, but they lack mightily at the receiver position. Josh Gordon is suspended for the season and the chances he gets reinstated and continues in Cleveland are slim. The Browns must focus on this position in 2016 with both free agency and the NFL Draft if they want to build for the future.
