Cleveland Browns Pursued WRs Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan in Free Agency
It doesn’t mean much now, as both signed with the Washington Redskins, but a source has said that the Cleveland Browns pursued both Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan in free agency, though they came up with nothing in the process. Both wide receivers signed with the Redskins on the first day of free agency, thanks to some very big contracts.
Garcon’s five-year deal is worth $42.5 million with more than $21 million in guaranteed money. Morgan signed a five-year deal (though it can be voided after two) that’s worth $12 million over those first two years.
Looking at big deals like that makes it obvious why the Browns weren’t able to land either, though it can be argued that Garcon would be worth the money. His 2011 season was impressive, especially when one considers the absence of Peyton Manning in Indianapolis: 70 catches for 947 yards with six touchdowns.
The Browns weren’t looking to spend a lavish amount of money this offseason and judging by the way teams overpaid immediately on free agents – as is usually the case – it doesn’t come as a surprise that the team lost out on players like Garcon and Morgan.