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New head coaches frequently pursue players from their former team.
As such, new Browns head coach Hue Jackson was expected to pursue former Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones.
Yet, according to one report, the club did not try to sign Jones, as he instead will sign with the Lions.
I know Hue Jackson is very high on Marvin Jones from their time in Cincinnati. Yet I'm told the Browns oddly didn't come after Jones.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 9, 2016
Marvin Jones told me it was a 'stressful decision' & that he ultimately chose the Lions over the Patriots and Bengals @nflnetwork
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 9, 2016
The revelation comes as a surprise, as the Browns certainly have a need an wideout, especially with the reported departure of Travis Benjamin. Jones might have fit perfectly in Cleveland.
The 25-year-old former Cal product posted 1,729 yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons. Jones could have joined fellow former Bengal Andrew Hawkins with the Browns.
So why didn't the Browns pursue Jones?
At this point, it's impossible to say for sure. However, if we had to speculate, here are a few possibilities:
1. The Browns are banking on the return of Josh Gordon.
2. VP of Football Operations Sashi Brown and his team decided Jones does not fit analytically.
3. The team plans to find a wide receiver in the draft, unlike former general manager Ray Farmer.
Whatever the reason, Browns fans will be sad to see Jones sign with the Lions. Perhaps the Browns will address the need later in the day and make fans forget about Jones.