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UPDATE
The Browns have also announced the signing of former Chicago Bears receiver Earl Bennett, who has totaled 185 receptions for 2,277 yards with 12 touchdowns. In 2013, he recorded 32 receptions for 243 yards with four touchdowns in 15 games.
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The Cleveland Browns are the epitome of 'one step forward and two steps back'.
After having one of the most successful draft classes since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999, the Browns learned that All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon had failed an NFL-mandated drug test.
Because he's failed a previous test which resulted in a 4-game suspension in 2013, this one will likely cost him the entire 2014 NFL season.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported it could be for just 8 or more games, but nevertheless, the Browns need help at WR with Gordon out and the team having not spent a pick on one in this year's draft.
They're now reportedly bringing in former Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin to help fill the void:
#browns have agreed to terms w/ wr miles Austin
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 15, 2014
#browns obviously preparing for life without josh Gordon for however long due to looming drug suspension.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 15, 2014
The Cowboys designated Miles Austin a post-June 1 cut to free up $5.5 million on the salary cap in 2014. That was done to mitigate the effects of Austin’s six-year, $54 million contract he signed in 2010.
Austin was a 1,000-yard receiver twice, catching 81 passes for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2009 and 69 passes for 1,041 yards and seven touchdowns 2010.
But over his next three seasons, Austin has totaled just 244 receiving yards in 11 games in 2013.