Cleveland Browns: 4 takeaways after releasing Brian Hartline

The Browns may have helped Hartline by cutting him during OTA’s. The timing of the move gives him a chance to latch on to another team. Had the Browns waited until the middle of training camp, Hartline would have had a much more difficult time finding work in the NFL. It made sense for the Browns to keep Hartline until now given the unsettled situation at wide receiver, which was addressed multiple times in the 2016 Draft.

Hartline did not fit the Browns plans moving forward. The role of the number three receiver on the roster is that of a possession, route running, slot receiver. Hartline fits the bill. However, Andrew Hawkins is a better fit for that role. Hawkins’ $1 million cap hit makes him a better option in the slot. The number four receiver spot is reserved for a developmental player who can play special teams. This is not Brian Hartline.

Brian Hartline is a serviceable number three wide receiver in the NFL. He does not have the speed or size to play as a team’s number one option. He is a great route runner and can get separation. However, he failed to live up the number two role he played last season with the Browns. By putting Hartline in the slot, the Browns may have increased his value. If a team is willing to pick him up for the veteran minimum with a plan for using him effectively out of the slot, then Hartline is a great addition.

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