Cleveland Browns: 5 mid-tier free agents that could improve the team
By Chad Porto
Tavon Austin (WR)
Ideally, someone like Randall Cobb would be in this position but it’s entirely possible that Cobb prices himself in a lucrative deal, thus negating his eligibility on this list. Tavon Austin, on the other hand, could fill the role. He played in 14 games for the Dallas Cowboys, and while his stats weren’t great, a lot of the Cowboys didn’t have great seasons. Probably why they’re looking for a new head coach.
Austin fits the criteria of the kind of player the team is looking for. He’s got solid footwork, with reliable hands, and the ability to dominate a game if he gets free. Assuming Baker Mayfield has an offense that can utilize his accuracy, Austin should be targeted more in Cleveland than his 1.7 times a game in Dallas. This alone would make him a more viable asset.
The team didn’t have depth at receiver or tight end, and despite some fans hype around Kareem Hunt, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be back for 2020 or that he’ll even keep himself out of trouble. He is a John Dorsey selection, and Dorsey didn’t always value character in his players. So getting the team a viable receiver who can eclipse 500 yards as a slot receiver needs to be a priority. Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry equated for over 58% of the yards gained by the Browns passing offense. They need help.
No tight end, no running back, no slot receiver, none of them eclipsed 300 yards receiving. This team over-relied on the stars on the marquee and it bit them in the backside. Looking at the way Mayfield played, the cold hard stats, and you can see the team forced passes towards Landry and Beckham for one reason or another. The team was predictable, a player like Austin makes them less predictable.
If Austin isn’t affordable, someone like Chris Hogan could fill this role.