A Look Forward in NFL Free Agency: Cleveland Browns

January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) before playing against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Receivers

Need Level: Medium

Possible Targets: Julian Edelman, Emmanuel Sanders, Ted Ginn, Scott Chandler (tight end)

The Browns signed Hawkins, the electric, small slot receiver from the Bengals. Rumors started immediately following that the Bengals would not match. That quickly changed to high belief that the team would match. This leaves the Browns in a unique situation regarding signing another player. Do they sign Edelman, Sanders or another player that fills a similar type role and then get “stuck” with both players? Or do they wait it out and possibly miss out on players they need?

Edelman seems to be a good fit for the Browns, and a favorite of both this writer and seemingly of Hoyer. Signing Edelman, who has played the slot but also can play outside gives the Browns flexibility both in free agency and the draft. Whitner is reportedly recruiting Ted Ginn to come home to Cleveland, and said Ginn is interested. Ginn is a speed guy who has struggled some with his hands. Ginn is not a solid #2 but could be a good #3 and great #4 for the Browns. Chandler is a interesting possibility. He will be 2 years removed from his ACL injury that limited him. He still led the Bills in receiving last year and could provide 2 good/great receiving options for the Browns across from Jordan Cameron. Finding ways to threaten defenses should be a high priority for the Browns. Adding a second big tight end could do just that. Expect a signing of someone of this ilk over the weekend or by Monday after the Hawkins decision.