The Cleveland Browns are trying to turn a corner, however they are in a very tough division. The Browns will be stuck trying to play catch-up with the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, and in order for the Browns to compete in the AFC North they need to upgrade their offensive firepower.
Marvin Jones is a player that new Browns' head coach Hue Jackson knows very well. Jackson could continue to teach Jones and would have the best plan on how to incorporate him into an offense. Jones is the number one free agent wide receiver in 2016, and plenty of teams will look to see if they can sign the talented wide receiver. Jones is only 25 and missed the entire 2014 season due to injury.
He bounced back in 2015 with 13 starts, 65 receptions, 816 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jones looked as dominant as his offensive counterpart A.J. Green this season while he was with the Bengals. If the Browns can land Jones it would be another huge coup for the Browns especially as that would become the second player or coach the Browns have stolen from the playoff participant Bengals.
The Bengals have had a better team for years, and now it appears with some of their talent leaving things could become a bit more even in Ohio. Jones would likely reprise the same role he would have in Cincinnati expect he would be playing second fiddle to Josh Gordon, not Green. If Gordon still needs to miss time during the 2016 season expect Jones to play a pivotal role early on.
The Browns have $47 million in cap space so it is likely they can be competitive in offering Jones a solid contract so they don't miss out on one of Jackson's favorite offensive weapons. Additionally, the Browns will see their breakout star from the 2015 regular season Travis Benjamin hit free agency.
The Browns will have Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel, Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline adding depth to the wide receiver position. They clearly need wide receivers that can make plays on the ball regardless of who is playing quarterback. The Browns saw this trait in Gordon, so it could be possible they see it in Jones as well.
