The Cleveland Browns competed for a playoff spot for much of the 2014 season behind the strength of an above-average defense and a strong rushing attack. The Browns drafted Johnny Manziel in the first round of last year's draft, but he proved unable to win the starting job. He also struggled when he finally made it onto the field, after the Browns were eliminated from playoff contention.

Cowboys Restructuring Romo's Contract Ahead Of Adrian Peterson Trade?

With the quarterback situation unsettled, the Browns will likely rely on a similar gameplan to help the team compete again this fall. With that in mind, they may elect to try and upgrade some of their offensive positions, starting with running back. If they really intend to run the ball more than 30 times a game again, then they are one of the few teams that could justify investing in the position, and according to ESPN, they could be players in the Adrian Peterson race.

Peterson wants a new start with a new team, and the Browns have plenty of cap room, which means they are one of the few teams that could add him without having to reconfigure a lot of their existing contracts.

Browns Already Quitting On Johnny Manziel Era?

Of course, the fact that Cleveland may have interest in Peterson does not mean that he will end up there. He has a known preference for the Dallas Cowboys, who also restructured some contracts to be able to fit Peterson (though they may be planning to use that space for other players). Peterson also may tell the Vikings that he does not want to go to Cleveland.

And obviously the biggest obstacle is the Vikings themselves. They have said that they want to keep Peterson, so they may elect not to trade him at all.

See the video below for a take about Peterson heading to Dallas.