WR Dwayne Bowe Free Agency Fits: Ravens, Browns, Colts
By Erik Lambert
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
One of the bigger enigmas to hit NFL free agency this off-season is former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Based on history there is no denying he has Pro Bowl-caliber talent but over the past few seasons he has underachieved in a big way, averaging a modest 742 yards and 2 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
What teams will wonder is was the drop off due to his not being interested anymore after he got his new contract or more the spotty quarterback play he’s endured. At age 30 he’ll have to convince them that it was the latter and he can still play at a high level.
Here are some that may kick the tires on him.
Baltimore Ravens
Years of living with Alex Smith, the limited passer that he is, might compel Bowe to seek out a team that has a more established arm. The Baltimore Ravens fit that billing. Joe Flacco may not be flashy but he can throw the ball and the Ravens’ desire to use the play action game is the style that helped Bowe thrive during his Pro Bowl year in 2010 when he caught 15 touchdown passes. He could be that big target Baltimore needs on the outside. Much will depend on how what they are willing to pay and what he is demanding.
Cleveland Browns
If it’s money he’s after, then Bowe will almost certainly entertain offers from the Cleveland Browns who are desperate for a receiver at this point. Josh Gordon is out. Miles Austin is declining and a free agent. The team has no legitimate weapon to speak of. Forget about their questions at quarterback.
Bringing in Bowe would at least provide some credibility. If they could then add another via the draft then things would certainly be looking up. Cleveland doesn’t have to worry about the price. They can afford to overpay a little to get him given their massive amount of cap space ($49.65 million).
Indianapolis Colts
If Bowe is seeking the best of both worlds then the Indianapolis Colts may be his preferred destination. Not only do they have the cap space to give him a good deal but they are a winning team who went to the AFC Championship last season and have an All-Pro quarterback under center in Andrew Luck.
They too are seeking answers at receiver in order to help T.Y. Hilton what with Reggie Wayne in the twilight of his career and Hakeem Nicks failing to have an impact. Having a bigger, possession-type like Bowe is what they’re seeking. The problem is will they be getting the guy with the talent who was subjected to poor quarterback play or are they getting a guy who fell off the map after he got paid?
Those are the answers teams will be seeking. Also don’t discount contenders like Seattle and New England who may see value in him. As of now the Browns and Colts must be considered favorites given their cap situations but strange things always happen in NFL free agency.