Cleveland Browns still not at a level to lure major free agents
The Cleveland Browns may be interested in a player like Jeremy Maclin, but there is a long way to go before free agents see Cleveland as a top destination.
Cleveland Browns fans are well-aware that the team can use some upgrades in talent. That is what makes the NFL free agent pool something fans look at with hope.
Every time a talented player is cut by his respective team, fans can start up the debates of whether the Browns should offer up a deal.
That continued this past week when the Kansas City Chiefs cut wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who can instantly serve as an upgrade for any offense. He is still without a team, but it appears he may be heading to either Buffalo or Baltimore for the upcoming season.
Former Chiefs' WR Jeremy Maclin is scheduled to visit Buffalo today, with plans being made to visit Baltimore on Wednesday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2017
An article by Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com explained that the Browns have inquired about Maclin, but the lack of a visit may be bad news for Browns fans.
Even though the Browns are hoping Corey Coleman can get healthy and be the team’s number one receiver, bringing in someone like Maclin would give the team a legitimate star at the position.
The problem is that Maclin can easily sign with a contending team.
Browns fans are filled with pride, but it is no secret that the team is not a hot spot for stars in the NFL. Players want to win and while money is a factor, the Browns may need to overspend way too much to even draw interest from someone like Maclin. And with the investments in homegrown players and recent draft picks, the money isn’t there.
Related: Is Jeremy Maclin a potential fit with the Browns?
This concept isn’t just for Maclin, but for other free agents who fans may want to see in a Browns uniform. Unless a max deal is being offered, it remains hard to lure top talent after so many years of losing. And unless a player is from Cleveland and has pride in turning the Browns around, the draft and trades are the best places to acquire talent at this point in time.
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One or two winning seasons can help change this narrative, and it is up to the front office to assemble a capable team that can bring the franchise back to relevance and back on a level playing field when it comes to signing top talent.