It seems like the Cleveland Browns have been largely inactive in free agency over the past week. Considering the team still possesses $41 million in cap room, this has been baffling to some around the NFL.
However, it’s not because of a lack of effort. Signing a free agent actually requires a player to sign on the dotted line and buy into the franchise’s plans.
Unfortunately for the Browns, they are not seen as a viable location for some of the top players in the NFL.
If you can’t sign players, the next logical move has to be trades. That’s where Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals come into play.
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicated on Monday that Cleveland attempted to trade for Fitzgerald before Arizona redid the star receiver’s contract last month.
This deal would have been far-fetched from the start. Fitzgerald, who has played his entire career in a Cardinals uniform, would have to sign off on a potential deal. Meaning, he could have simply retired instead of suiting up for the Browns. And considering the lack of stability surrounding the organization, that probably would have been a likely outcome.
It’s not a secret that Cleveland is looking to add pass-catching targets this offseason. After losing Jordan Cameron in free agency, the team has hosted a couple solid free-agent receivers, including Dwayne Bowe.
As of right now, Cleveland’s two starting receivers are Andrew Hawkins and Brian Hartline.
Ouch!
Photo: USA Today