If the Patriots don’t offer Julian Edelman the money he wants, the Browns might.
Multiple reports indicate that the Browns are making a play to attract Edelman to Cleveland. Michael Giardi of CSNNE.com reports that the Browns are making a strong push to get Edelman in the fold, and Jason La Canfora of CBS reports that Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer has been trying to recruit Edelman to Cleveland. Edelman and Hoyer are friends and former teammates on the Patriots.
The Browns’ first attempt to acquire a wide receiver will apparently fail to come to fruition, as the Bengals are expected to match the Browns’ offer to restricted free agent Andrew Hawkins. Edelman would represent the Browns’ second attempt to get better at the position.
Edelman could be a good fit in a Browns passing game that features Josh Gordon as the No. 1 threat. With Gordon drawing coverage away, Edelman can do what he does best and catch short passes in the slot.
The Patriots would miss Edelman’s production if he goes elsewhere. Last year Edelman led the Patriots in catches (105), yards (1,056) and touchdowns (six) and was also New England’s punt returner.