by Dennis Sosic
There is a sense of optimism regarding the 2018 Cleveland Browns, along with a mix of the influx of veterans and promising young talent that have them looking for their first win since 2016.
The news broke this past week of wide receiver Josh Gordon needing to be away from the team. Gordon voluntarily left the team as part of his aftercare in the NFL’s drug addiction treatment program, and by all accounts has their full support in doing so.
Additionally, backup receiver Ricardo Louis will miss the 2018 season after having neck surgery. Louis was battling for playing time with rookie Antonio Callaway and Rashard Higgins in the backend of the receiver rotation.
With the Browns now thin at receiver, Browns general manager John Dorsey has admitted to having discussions about bringing in former Cowboy receiver Dez Bryant.
Bryant was released from the Cowboys after eight seasons in Dallas. He hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season in three years or a 100-yard game in 22 games. He is not a good route-runner and he struggles to create separation. The clear decline does not necessarily outweigh the risk with Bryant.
His decline started in 2015, when Tony Romo stopped being his quarterback. Romo was afraid to NOT throw the ball to Bryant. The extravagant 134 targets averaged in 2011 through the 2014 season demonstrates that.
The fact that he has failed to find a landing spot speaks volumes. There was a report that the Baltimore Ravens offered Bryant a multi-year deal. Bryant, however, turned it down. Instead, he is seeking a one-year deal with a contending team in hopes of boosting his stock prior to free agency next season.
Dez Bryant brings in too much baggage and could potentially damage the team concepts that the Browns are trying to instill with this new regime. His lack of production and at times prima-donna attitude do not fit in with the Cleveland Browns.
But if not Bryant, then what do the Browns do?
Coach Hue Jackson mentioned that Corey Coleman would move into the starting position in Gordon’s absence. Unfortunately, Coleman has been injured for the most part of his two seasons with the Browns. While on the field, he has done very little to justify him being drafted 15th overall in the 2016 draft. It’s a make-or-break season for Coleman.
Veteran Jeff Janis was added this off-season and should provide a steady influence and production to this receiver group. Antonio Callaway was a high-risk, high-reward draft pick whose contributions on the field sometimes overshadowed his actions off the field. Hopefully, maturity and the veteran influences on this team allow to showcase his talents that he showed while playing for University of Florida.
The Browns could also look to add a different veteran wide receiver. One option may be Jeremy Maclin. He does not bring the same baggage as Bryant and will not come at a steep cost.
Maclin is a very good route runner and could be a nice fit on check downs that quarterback Tyrod Taylor loves to throw. Maclin has ties with Dorsey, who gave him a huge contract when both were with the Chiefs.
There are also veteran wide receivers such as Eric Decker and Michael Floyd that could possibly help the Browns this season.
More than likely, the Browns will choose to hope that Josh Gordon does come back this season. In addition, they will need the young receivers to step up and produce. The Browns faithful are praying that all of this talk is for nothing and Gordon dominates like he did in 2013!
In either case, those options are likely better than Bryant.
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