What Off-Season Options Does John Dorsey Have At Finding Another WR For The Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns finally can say they don’t need to find a QB in the Draft. Baker Mayfield is the guy that’ll lead the team for the next 15+ years. Still, the Browns aren’t a perfect team on offense. Perhaps acquiring a big-time WR would help put them over the hump.
Here’s the issue the Browns face. The trade market for WR’s has dwindled. Antonio Brown (who the Browns had no realistic shot at) got dealt to Oakland. Odell Beckham Jr. was on the team’s list, but the Giants laughed at the Browns more than generous offer. Where does this leave Cleveland?
Assuming Browns General Manager, John Dorsey doesn’t have any other dialogue with teams on a WR deal, the options for Cleveland become Free Agency or Draft. With where this team is, expect Dorsey to look at the free agent market first, and try to sign an already established guy.
The WR market this year looks a bit scarce. The best option on the board is Golden Tate. He’s 30 years old and is coming off a rather disappointing year with Detroit and Philly. However, 74 receptions and 795 yards (Tate’s 2018 numbers) will be a nice complement to Jarvis Landry. This would enable Landry to run out of the slot WR position. Tate could lineup on one side and either Rashard Higgins or Antonio Callaway on the other.
If Tate doesn’t work (and there have been no rumblings he’s on the team radar), there’s Tyrell Williams, Adam Humphries, Cole Beasely, and Devin Funchess. Of those 4, Funchess and Williams are the two to look at. Beasley and Humphries will play mostly out of the slot, and Landry is at his best in that spot. Williams and Funchess also have some untapped potential, which given the right coaching staff, could prove to be a game-changer.
The one thing John Dorsey might do is draft a WR. This would be viewed as a move to build the roster for the future. While it’s possible a Rookie WR could contribute right away, signing or acquiring a veteran will help the Browns playoff push a bit easier.
You don’t know what a rookie will bring to the table. Sign the veteran and use him, all while bringing your rookie along slowly. The option of bringing in a veteran and drafting a WR is a very real scenario.
The Cleveland Browns need to do something about the WR spot. To improve upon last year’s offense, it’s about all they needed to do this off-season. Baker Mayfield has all the tools to succeed. Dorsey needs to give him the weapons to get to work.
Image Source: Tony Dejak / AP
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
