5 Free Agent Wide Receivers Who Could Help the Browns Now

The Cleveland Browns have a roster full of young and inexperienced wide receivers which has shown early in the season.

While some of them—namely Joshua Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi—have made plays when Browns quarterback Colt McCoy needed them the most, the position as a whole has been a hole.

Brian Robiskie, Jordan Norwood and Carlton Mitchell have been M.I.A. Rookie Greg Little is still learning as he goes and it has caused McCoy to depend on his tight ends and backs in the passing game more than any wideout.

That has worked to this point, as the Browns sit 2-1 and tied for first place in the AFC North. But as the season progresses and Cleveland faces stronger defenses who have their offense on film, this problem will be the downfall of a rising Browns team.

With that in mind, here are five current free agent wide receivers who could come in and help McCoy and the Cleveland offense.

No. 1: Donnie Avery

Former St.Louis Rams wide out Donnie Avery is at the top of this list.

Not only does he have experience in the Pat Shurmur system, but he has also shown ability to make plays when healthy.

In 2008, the 5'11" speedster had a career best 54 catches for 684 yards and three scores. His 2009 numbers were similar as he tallied 47 catches for 589 yards and five touchdowns.

He missed 15 games last season due to injury and it seems he has not made a full recovery as he has struggled to catch on with a team.

Regardless, he is an upgrade over what the Browns have now because he can produce, which is more than we can say for the current group.

No. 2: T.J. Houshmandzadeh

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the next name on this list.

While the former Bengal, Seahawk and Raven wideout's best days are behind him, on this squad he could not only still make a catch from time to time, but also serve as a mentor and teacher to the young Browns receiving corps.

Last season with the Ravens, Houshmandzadeh caught 30 balls for 398 yards, averaging more than 13 yards per reception.

He may not be the same player he once was, but he could be a welcome addition to a group of receivers that lacks consistency. He could be a go to guy on third down for McCoy and help open up space for other receivers.

No. 3: Hank Baskett

While Baskett may be known best for marrying a playmate, the 6'4" receiver is a good fit in the West Coast offense.

Adding Baskett would give McCoy a big target to throw to on any down. While he may not stretch the field at all, he is a decent route runner who will get open and hang on to the ball.

Baskett also has a familiarity with the Browns system, as well as Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert, with whom he worked while in Philadelphia.

He is not a great player, but he could add a new dimension to this offense.

No. 4: Justin Gage

Gage is yet another big target who has playmaking ability.

His career average of more than 15 yards per reception would be a welcome site to a team whose receivers can barely get a reception.

For the most part, Gage is more of a downfield threat but he is a 6'4" veteran who can step on to the field and pick up Robiskie's slack every week.

No. 5: Mardy Gilyard

While most of the players on this list are older, veteran band aids, Gilyard is still young and has great run after the catch ability.

He also played under Shurmur last season with the Rams and could step in immediately with a knowledge of the offense.

The former fourth round pick out of Cincinnati is a player who, with a little space, can take the ball to the house.

He is a playmaker and in this situation, with the right chance, he could prove that he belongs in this league. He also could step in immediately and spell Cribbs on kickoff duty.

Conclusion

To conclude, I am not saying any of these guys will be game changing Pro Bowl caliber studs who turn around the luck of a downtrodden franchise. But I believe that they all can help on Sundays.

The Cleveland Browns wideouts are young, full of potential and may eventually reach that potential. To be successful as a group this year, they need one consistent target to whom McCoy can throw.

Who will be that next guy? Will someone finally step up as the No. 1 target? Stay tuned.