What the future may hold for every Cleveland Browns free agent

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

An exclusive-rights free agent is any player who has less than three accrued seasons in the NFL. If that player’s original team decides to offer the player a contract at the minimum salary, the player cannot negotiate with any other team.

Pharaoh Brown, Tight End

Pharaoh Brown showed glimpses of solid play during the 2019 season and was a solid blocking tight end. The Browns would move him around the formation and even line him up at fullback at times. He was also a contributor on special teams. In nine games, Brown was targeted only three times and caught two of those targets for 27 yards.

Tight end appears to be a position of need for the Browns in 2019, especially if Demetrius Harris becomes a cap casualty. The Browns will likely tender Brown and allow him to battle for a job in camp.

Dontrell Hilliard, Running Back

There was a lot of hype surrounding Dontrell Hilliard during training camp and the preseason. But much like the hype around the Browns in 2019, Hilliard failed to live up to expectations. He never became the change of pace back for Nick Chubb, and only made a limited impact on the offense. He also struggled as the team’s returner.

In 14 games, Hilliard rushed for 49 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He also caught 12 receptions for 92 yards. Hilliard also returned 15 punts for 107 yards and 17 kicks for 421 yards.

There is a lot of uncertainty at the running back position behind Chubb, so similarly to Brown, it would make sense for the Browns to tender Hilliard and allow him to battle for a job during camp.

KhaDarel Hodge, Wide Receiver

The Browns claimed KhaDarel Hodge off waivers at the beginning of the season, and Hodge played in every game, primarily on special teams. He spent limited time on offense, catching four receptions for 76 yards.

With his presence on special teams, the Browns will likely tender Hodge and let him try to earn his special teams job during camp.