Cleveland Browns: 4 Free Agents That Can Help The Offense

The Cleveland Browns Week 1 loss to the New York Jets exhibited why the Brownies need more help. Luckily for Mike Pettine and company, there are players available on the street who could help this team right now.

After Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season, one thing is clear: The Browns offense is going to be bad.

After four total turnovers from the offense (not counting Tashaun Gipson‘s fumble on an interception), penalties, and a lack of playmakers sank what could have been the first opening win for the Browns in a dozen years. The coaching staff needs to be looking for answers.

Sure, the line can play better and Johnny Manziel should improve with a dedicated week of practice as the starter, but it never hurts to look outside of Berea.

There isn’t a Rob Gronkowski or a Julio Jones out there, but there are definitely a handful of available skill position guys that can improve the current roster.

Montee Ball, RB

The former Bronco was rumored to be close to signing with the Browns not that long ago. Once a promising second round pick, Ball fell out of favor in Denver after injuries and the emergence of C.J. Anderson. Still without a job, Ball would give the Browns a healthy third back and a clear upgrade over Shaun Draughn. When healthy, Ball averaged 4.7 yards a carry in his rookie year.

Wes Welker, WR

Another former Bronco, Welker would seem to be another diminutive slot receiver to duplicate what the Browns already have. But Welker has five 100-catch seasons and 50 career touchdowns, which is more than any other Browns receiver can say. The drawback on Welker is obviously his health, as his history of concussions is what has kept him from landing a job in 2015. Welker allegedly is healthy and ready to go and would not present much risk for a Browns passing attack desperately in need of a boost.

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Reggie Wayne, WR

Before you start with the comments about his age or ability to produce, remember that this is the Browns we’re talking about and the season has already started. No, Wayne would not come in and turn Johnny Manziel into Aaron Rodgers, but he would provide a veteran presence and a reliable weapon on offense. He had 64 catches and 779 yards last season, which would have been second on the team last season behind Andrew Hawkins. Would Wayne suit up for the Browns? I’m not sure, but he is at least worth a phone call.

Ray Rice, RB

We saved the best, and most controversial, for last. If we can advocate for Montee Ball, we at least have to consider Ray Rice. The former Raven had four straight seasons of at least 1,100 yards from 2009-2012, with many of those yards coming against the Browns. His success in the division and ability to catch passes should both be taken into consideration.

In a league that can welcome back Donte’ Stallworth (manslaughter), Michael Vick (dogfighting ring), Ben Roethlisberger (sexual assault), and Adrian Peterson (child abuse), Rice’s crimes are not so heinous to prevent him from making a return. In Cleveland, Rice has an opportunity to make an impact on a woeful offense in a largely ignored NFL market. It would be a risk and cause some public relations problems, but the Browns have to at least consider Rice. It’s not like the offense can get any worse.

Next: NFL Scout Still Believes In Johnny Manziel

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