Cleveland Browns looking to jump into Charles Clay fray

Tight end Charles Clay is becoming a man in demand. The Miami Dolphins would like to keep their starting tight end, a player upon whom they placed the transition tag this offseason. The Buffalo Bills are hosting Clay on a fee agent visit and the indications all seem to point toward the team making an offer to Clay, which, if he accepts it, the Dolphins would have seven days to match, under the transition tag rules.

It appears that, despite seeing this as a staring contest between the Bills and Dolphins, with both teams hoping the other blinks and they can add Clay to their respective rosters, this could actually be a three team game. Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, writes that the Cleveland Browns are "very interested in Dolphins right end Charles Clay." While she points out that the Bills are expected to make "the strongest possible offer sheet for Clay" the Browns "are also interested." Could the Clay interest drive up his asking price even more, making it impossible for Miami to bring him back?

Clay had a down year this past season, in no small part due to multiple injuries. He seemed slow and never really got into a rhythm. He did not play in two games, and was targeted on passing plays just 84 times, compared to 102 targets in 2013. He finished the season with 58 receptions for 605 yards and three touchdowns, all good statistics, but below the expected level for a man fans call "Big Play Clay." That status as an offensive weapon, however, has followed him into free agency, and he is now a desirable option for several teams.

Clay has said he wants to return to Miami, but the money being thrown his way may be too great. This will likely play out over the next few days, but no one really knows exactly how it will all happen.