The Cleveland Browns have attempted to fill a major hole at wide receiver by signing former Dallas Cowboy wide-out Miles Austin today. The move comes just a day after Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said that Austin would be welcome back with the Cowboys. The team announced the move on Twitter.
BREAKING: Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with WR Miles Austin. pic.twitter.com/T2QHei6FVj
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 15, 2014
With Josh Gordon reportedly facing a season long suspension after allegedly testing positive for marijuana use, and Nate Burleson currently out with a broken arm, the Browns definitely needed to add a receiver or two. Browns general manager Ray Farmer was heavily criticized for not taking a receiver in the NFL draft, but is now trying to address that need. Prior to the signing the Browns depth chart included Greg Little, Andrew Hawkins, and Travis Benjamin as their top three healthy receivers.
Miles Austin has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Monmouth in 2006.
The 29-year-old Austin is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued season in which he caught just 24 passes for 244 yards, and no touchdowns. But if healthy, Austin could be a valuable part of Cleveland’s offense. His best season was in 2009 he was a Pro Bowl receiver with 81 catches for 1320 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2012. As recently as 2012 Austin had 66 catches for 943 yards and 6 touchdowns.
A series of lingering leg issues has really limited Austin in recent years, though, and that is likely the reason he was not signed as a free agent until after the NFL draft.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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