Top 5 Cleveland Browns playing their way into a new contract

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Running back Kenneth Dixon #30 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he carries the ball by middle linebacker Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: Rashard Higgins #81 of the Cleveland Browns exchanges words with Parry Nickerson #43 of the New York Jets during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention

It did not feel fair to put wide receiver Rashard Higgins or safety Damarious Randall on the list of players who have played their way into a new contract, because, well, they have not been available for much of the season to this point. Both of which, however, should get a new deal from the Browns and have been vital to the team’s growth and development over the past year and a half.

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In his first season with the team, Randall led the secondary to a dominant performance as the Browns were near the top of the league in turnovers a year ago. The problem, however, is that Randall wants to be paid as a top safety in the NFL after one year of playing the position, and negotiations have not been upbeat to this point as the amount would likely surpass $10 million annually.

Baker Mayfield’s favorite target Higgins has also not been available most of the season after missing time a year ago as well. Higgins’ availability is becoming an issue in Cleveland, and while he is a dependent target that can be relied upon to catch the football, can the Browns allocate three significant contracts at the wide receiver position?