The Cleveland Browns took a lot of flack during the draft this past weekend after they failed to target a wide receiver from the second round and beyond in the wake of the news that Josh Gordon could be facing a year-long suspension for a second failed drug test. On Thursday, they’re trying to show the fans that they’re committed to bringing in some talent at the position, as just hours after they signed former Cowboys receiver Miles Austin, they announced the signing of former Bears receiver Earl Bennett.
Bennett has played his enitre six-year career in the NFL so far with the Bears, although his production has dropped dramatically as of late.
His best season came in his second year in 2009 when he caught 54 passes for 717 yards and two touchdowns, but the production began to dip from there. In 2013, Bennett snagged 32 balls for just 243 yards, although he did find the end zone four times.
The fact remains though, despite the signings of Austin and Bennett, the team needed a young, playmaker at wide receiver in the draft this past weekend, and they whiffed. These two might be a good short-term fix, but if they want to help out Johnny Manziel in the long run, they had better have a few more tricks up their sleeve.