Cleveland Browns Trade Solutions At Wide Receiver
By Erik Lambert
Dec 22, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) rushes with the football after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Ray Farmer insists the Cleveland Browns have options to upgrade at wide receiver following the draft. Is he wrong? Not entirely. Remember the Browns have an extra first round pick courtesy of their trade with Buffalo for Sammy Watkins. So they have flexibility to go get a player on the market they might covet. Here are just a few names to at least consider.
Jordy Nelson – Green Bay Packers
It sounds crazy considering what Jordy Nelson has meant to the Green Bay Packers the past few seasons but it’s also important to remember people said the same thing about Greg Jennings and James Jones. Green Bay does not fear change at the position, and after a draft that added Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis they are in a good position to deal the 28-year old Nelson for the right price. It would also assist Green Bay with their salary cap, allowing them to focus on retaining Randle Cobb.
Dez Bryant – Dallas Cowboys
For the time being Dez Bryant remains in the good graces of the Dallas Cowboys but it’s impossible dismiss the periodic headaches he’s brought the team over the past few year. Add on the fact he’s a free agent in 2015 and things could go sour in a hurry given the Cowboys tight salary cap. Like Green Bay they had a solid influx of talent at receiver with draft pick Devin Street and undrafted free agent L’Damian Washington. If they play up their abilities it could give Dallas the green light to unload Bryant to the Cleveland Browns, who have more than enough salary cap to make him happy.
Mike Wallace – Miami Dolphins
After signing a huge deal with the Miami Dolphins, fans and indeed some members of the team weren’t happy with the return from receiver Mike Wallace. That is surprising considering he posted 73 catches for 930 yards and five touchdowns. Those are not bad numbers especially considering how bad the Dolphins offensive line was. Still, if the team is interested in unloaded Wallace as rumors have hinted the past few months then the Cleveland Browns should have interest. Wallace would bring explosiveness to their offense, experience and that #1 receiver swagger. His hefty cap number would sting, but as stated above the Browns have the space to handle it.