These Proven Receiving Threats Would Upgrade Orange and Brown’s Playmaking
The 2023 NFL season is officially complete with the conclusion of the Super Bowl. The Browns are now setting sights on upgrading the roster, including wide receiver targets for the offense. The orange and brown dealt with five different quarterbacks this season. With a full offseason to get healthy, hopefully, only one will be needed for the 2024 season.
The Browns got production out of their top wide receiver Amari Cooper no matter the quarterback. Tight end David Njoku also had a career year and was named to the Pro Bowl. Other than that, there were no receivers that stood out throughout the 2023 campaign. Already, many wide receiver targets and rumors have been thrown around.
Names like Gabe Davis and Brandin Cooks are smaller names and options that may not cost as much as others. However, these three names are viable options and could elevate quarterback Deshaun Watson’s play next season.
Mike Williams, The Big Wide Receiver Target
With a new head coach, coaching staff, and offense for the Los Angeles Chargers coming, wide receiver Mike Williams has been rumored to be on the move. A big wide receiver target, literally, Williams is a productive option. He turns 30 in October and has spent time behind Keenan Allen with the Chargers.
He has had trouble staying healthy the last few seasons and missed all but a few games this past season. Williams would be a cheaper wide receiver target given his injury history, age, and situation. With an offense that likes to throw and lacks a tall and consistent option out wide, Williams would provide that.
Brandon Aiyuk Brings YAC Ability
Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers is another dream scenario option when looking at the Browns wide receiver targets. Unlike Williams, Aiyuk is not as tall but is a lot younger. The 25-year-old is under contract through 2024 but would be a great piece in Cleveland.
In a star-filled offense with a lot of mouths to feed, Aiyuk still managed 1,342 receiving yards. He did it on just 75 catches and 105 targets. In total, Aiyuk had seven touchdowns and an average of 17.9 yards per reception. With elite hands and run-after-the-catch ability, Aiyuk would bring a dynamic skillset.
Brandon Aiyuk turning the corner on AJ Terrell. Straight cooked him.
Phenomenal sink & swivel on the transition. Elite burst to round the edge. One of the best plays you'll see this year. Truly special athlete. pic.twitter.com/NXeWDhmKpo
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) October 19, 2022
With solid route runners and contested catch guys on the team, Aiyuk would immediately be the best in the receiver room at a variety of traits. If the Browns have any shot at this playmaker, it would be smart to pursue.
Davante Adams, Wide Receiver Target Among the Best
When talking about the best wide receiver targets and players in general, every NFL wide receiver seems to mention one name. That name is Davante Adams. Even with some of the worst quarterback play in the league, with inconsistent starters as well, Adams still produced.
Adams totaled a whopping 175 targets in Las Vegas with the Raiders this season. With a lot of balls being uncatchable, he had 103 receptions. Adams averaged 11.1 yards per reception en route to 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns.
The throw by Aidan O’Connell: 🔥
The catch by Davante Adams: 🔥😳👀
This was beautiful. I want more. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/6WLLUuItPH— Austin (@Austinrnww) November 16, 2023
Davante Adams is a guy who can do it all. He is under contract through 2026 and is 31 yards old, but would be a boost to the Browns offense. It would be a similar type of move to DeAndre Hopkins, who is also 31 and made a move to continue his successful career.
Any of these three options are ideal wide receiver targets for the Browns. If they or any other targets fall through, the draft is another option for Cleveland to decide for the receiving core.
Main Photo: [Kyle Terada] – USA Today Sports
