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Perhaps no team was talked about more during the 2014 season, as the Cleveland Browns surged to a 7-5 start and had the look of a playoff contender before a late-season slide. And, on top of the better-than-anticipated record, rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel briefly took over as the team's starter, kick-starting one of the most anticipated storylines since his standout days at Texas A&M.
So how does the team take the next step in 2015? Here are four areas of focus for the club this offseason:
1. Develop Manziel
There may no more polarizing player in the NFL than Manziel, as detractors were ready to write him off after his dismal first start. The Browns certainly didn't invest in Manziel operating under the belief that he couldn't become a capable NFL quarterback, but like any other player -- as much as the public sometimes wishes this wasn't the case -- he needs time to develop. The NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, with turnovers at critical organizational spots coming at a faster rate than ever before. And while there has been no indication from Cleveland that they would want to, there are those calling for the team to add another quarterback.
Developing Manziel -- not adding competition -- is the key this offseason. There are a few reasons why:
• It's simply way too early to write him off, given his talent level and the fact that he barely got any playing time this season. Having a full offseason to improve his game, after a season of getting acclimated to the NFL game, will give him a big leg up over where he was this past season.
•There really aren't many better veteran options available to Cleveland this offseason, even if they wanted to upgrade. Outgoing free agent Brian Hoyer, whom the team replaced with Manziel late in the season, is likely to be one of the best available QBs on the market. The second-best option is Mark Sanchez, who isn't a long-term answer.)
• Drafting a QB in the first round isn't a realistic option. This class is short on sure-fire starter options, and the top two QB prospects, Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston, are likely going to be off the board by the time the Browns draft at No. 12 and No. 19 overall.
There's little question that in order to be successful, Manziel is going to need to take a step forward in terms of his maturity and approach to the game. But the fact is he's the best QB option the Browns have heading into 2015.
2. Develop Gilbert, too
Manziel was actually the second player the Browns took in the draft last year, as cornerback Justin Gilbert came off the board at No. 8. The talented and speedy cornerback struggled as a rookie, but there were moments of promise (an interception return for a touchdown off of Andrew Luck, among them). What Gilbert is not is a physical player. But what he is is an exceptional athlete with terrific potential as a coverage player. Consistency is needed in Year 2 -- with Gilbert playing at a high level, the Browns could have a formidable defense in 2015.
3. Sign Gipson to a contract extension
Safety Tashaun Gipson has been among the best players in terms of forcing turnovers in the NFL since the start of the 2013 season, and the 24-year-old enters restricted free agency this offseason. That gives the Browns protection in terms of retaining him, but a long-term deal seems like a worthwhile investment for the former undrafted free agent who has 12 interceptions in the past two years (despite missing the final five games of this season due to injury). With Joe Haden signed through 2019, Donte Whitner added this past offseason and Gilbert in the fold, this secondary has a high ceiling. Locking Gipson up to a long-term deal should be a priority.
4. Make a decision on Cameron
A factor in Manziel's development is ensuring that he has the pieces around him to succeed. A full year of wide receiver Josh Gordon in 2015 would help (more on that in a bit), so too will the return of All-Pro center Alex Mack (on injured reserve with a broken leg).
Concussions limited tight end Jordan Cameron this season after his breakout 2013, and he's now due to be an unrestricted free agent. When healthy and at his best, he's an athletic red-zone target that can win in man-to-man coverage. At age 26, he'll be a sought-after commodity if Cleveland doesn't re-sign him before the start of free agency. If the Browns are comfortable with his health, they'd be wise to keep him around.
5. Consider trading Josh Gordon
Gordon was limited to just five games this season due to suspension, totaling 24 catches without finding the end zone. He was suspended for the final game of the season after reportedly missing the team's Week 17 walk-through (allegedly because he'd attended a party thrown by Manziel the night before), the latest incident related to his behavior that likely gives the organization some pause about keeping him long term.
Gordon is under contract through 2015 and will be a restricted free agent thereafter. Right now, it's hard to envision the team extending Gordon long-term, but the nearer future is also worth considering: Might the Browns consider trading him this offseason? His talent is indisputable, but there are times when a change of scenery is better for both parties involved. If they can get a good return for him, a trade would make a lot of sense.
Offseason fixes for the Cleveland Browns - NFL - ESPN
By Field Yates
So how does the team take the next step in 2015? Here are four areas of focus for the club this offseason:
1. Develop Manziel
There may no more polarizing player in the NFL than Manziel, as detractors were ready to write him off after his dismal first start. The Browns certainly didn't invest in Manziel operating under the belief that he couldn't become a capable NFL quarterback, but like any other player -- as much as the public sometimes wishes this wasn't the case -- he needs time to develop. The NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, with turnovers at critical organizational spots coming at a faster rate than ever before. And while there has been no indication from Cleveland that they would want to, there are those calling for the team to add another quarterback.
Developing Manziel -- not adding competition -- is the key this offseason. There are a few reasons why:
• It's simply way too early to write him off, given his talent level and the fact that he barely got any playing time this season. Having a full offseason to improve his game, after a season of getting acclimated to the NFL game, will give him a big leg up over where he was this past season.
•There really aren't many better veteran options available to Cleveland this offseason, even if they wanted to upgrade. Outgoing free agent Brian Hoyer, whom the team replaced with Manziel late in the season, is likely to be one of the best available QBs on the market. The second-best option is Mark Sanchez, who isn't a long-term answer.)
• Drafting a QB in the first round isn't a realistic option. This class is short on sure-fire starter options, and the top two QB prospects, Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston, are likely going to be off the board by the time the Browns draft at No. 12 and No. 19 overall.
There's little question that in order to be successful, Manziel is going to need to take a step forward in terms of his maturity and approach to the game. But the fact is he's the best QB option the Browns have heading into 2015.
2. Develop Gilbert, too
Manziel was actually the second player the Browns took in the draft last year, as cornerback Justin Gilbert came off the board at No. 8. The talented and speedy cornerback struggled as a rookie, but there were moments of promise (an interception return for a touchdown off of Andrew Luck, among them). What Gilbert is not is a physical player. But what he is is an exceptional athlete with terrific potential as a coverage player. Consistency is needed in Year 2 -- with Gilbert playing at a high level, the Browns could have a formidable defense in 2015.
3. Sign Gipson to a contract extension
Safety Tashaun Gipson has been among the best players in terms of forcing turnovers in the NFL since the start of the 2013 season, and the 24-year-old enters restricted free agency this offseason. That gives the Browns protection in terms of retaining him, but a long-term deal seems like a worthwhile investment for the former undrafted free agent who has 12 interceptions in the past two years (despite missing the final five games of this season due to injury). With Joe Haden signed through 2019, Donte Whitner added this past offseason and Gilbert in the fold, this secondary has a high ceiling. Locking Gipson up to a long-term deal should be a priority.
4. Make a decision on Cameron
A factor in Manziel's development is ensuring that he has the pieces around him to succeed. A full year of wide receiver Josh Gordon in 2015 would help (more on that in a bit), so too will the return of All-Pro center Alex Mack (on injured reserve with a broken leg).
Concussions limited tight end Jordan Cameron this season after his breakout 2013, and he's now due to be an unrestricted free agent. When healthy and at his best, he's an athletic red-zone target that can win in man-to-man coverage. At age 26, he'll be a sought-after commodity if Cleveland doesn't re-sign him before the start of free agency. If the Browns are comfortable with his health, they'd be wise to keep him around.
5. Consider trading Josh Gordon
Gordon was limited to just five games this season due to suspension, totaling 24 catches without finding the end zone. He was suspended for the final game of the season after reportedly missing the team's Week 17 walk-through (allegedly because he'd attended a party thrown by Manziel the night before), the latest incident related to his behavior that likely gives the organization some pause about keeping him long term.
Gordon is under contract through 2015 and will be a restricted free agent thereafter. Right now, it's hard to envision the team extending Gordon long-term, but the nearer future is also worth considering: Might the Browns consider trading him this offseason? His talent is indisputable, but there are times when a change of scenery is better for both parties involved. If they can get a good return for him, a trade would make a lot of sense.
Offseason fixes for the Cleveland Browns - NFL - ESPN
By Field Yates
