Brian Hartline: Browns Free Agency Profile

The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns free agency seems destined to be an interesting one. The Browns spent a little bit of money last year with anticipating of building through the draft for long term success. The 2014 was expected to be another down year with high expectations towards the future. Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud.

Now the Browns are full of salary cap space, even though they have a few free agents of their own they might like to sign, as well as 10 picks in the NFL Draft, including two 1st rounders. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.

In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for free agency.

Every Free Agent Profile Done Can Be Found Here: 2015 Browns Free Agency Profile List

Name

Brian Hartline

Position

Height/Weight

6-2/200

2014 Team

Miami Dolphins

Stats:

16 Games, 39 REC, 474 YDS, 2 TDs

PFF Grade/Rank: (Link)

Grade: -9.5, Rank: 4th Worst Free Agent Wide Receiver (Only Hakeem Nicks, Reggie Wayne and Demaris Johnson worse)

2014 Free Agent Signing Comparison Contract

Kenny Britt (1 year. $3 million with St. Louis Rams)

Britt was one time considered the Titans #1 receiver but off the field issues and a change in regime stopped that progress. He signed a one year, make good, deal with the Rams and his former head coach Jeff Fisher. Hartline, at 28, was never considered a #1 receiver but had over 70 catches and 1,000 yards in both 2012 and 2013. Much of that was due to sheer bulk of targets, over 120 each of those years. The former Buckeye, and northern Ohio native, could sign a similar deal with the Browns with hopes of returning to his old numbers. Hartline only dropped 4 passes last year, good for 66th according to this site.

Fit with the Browns

Hartline would fit with the Browns but he wouldn’t solve their problem. He would be a younger, healthier version of Miles Austin. If the Browns sign or draft a #1 type receiver, Hartline could come in and fit well on the other side. With Andrew Hawkins in the middle of the field, the new receiver on one side and the Browns strong running game, the former Buckeye, could be a good #3 receiving option as long as he comes in at a low enough number.

Browns Player Signing Could Impact

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Miles Austin – Austin is also a free agent but if the Browns sign another receiver in free agency it could limit his place on the team. Austin is a veteran, level head kind of receiver but signing Hartline would almost close the door on Austin returning.

How Signing Could Impact the NFL Draft

Signing Hartline will have little to no influence on the Browns draft. He fills a role for the team, a possession type receiver who can play on the outside. That role can be filled in a number of ways, including possibly by Taylor Gabriel, so the Browns will continue to address the need for a #1 receiver and depth even if Hartline signs.

Priority

Medium-Low – The Browns need to address their wide receiver position and Hartline only adds to the number of players available at that spot. With Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel in house, and likely a high draft pick coming in, the 6’2″ Hartline could give the team another look that they are currently missing.

What do you think about targeting Brian Hartline in Browns Free Agency?

Next: DPD NFL Mock Draft 1.0

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