Five Browns players who might be finished in Cleveland

Rashard Higgins

Rashard Higgins was expected to have a breakout campaign in 2019 after establishing a connection with Mayfield in 2018 and gaining a big role in the offense. However, Higgins was rarely on the field in 2019 and was nonexistent in game plans.

Higgins played only 16.48 percent of Cleveland’s offensive snaps, and was only targeted 11 times the entire season. After being put into Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse, Higgins practically never saw the field.

The wide receiver certainly has a better case of returning in 2020 with Kitchens no longer on staff. However, he still may not have a great fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

In his one season as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, Stefanski only used three receivers or more 18 percent of the time, according to Sharp Football Stats. Playing behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, Higgins would not see the field often once again if Stefanski’s personnel grouping frequency continued in 2020.

Although Higgins’ value is not high after his poor 2019 season, the Browns front office may not feel motivated to pay significant money to a player who would not see the field frequently. Although they want to retain talent, they also do not want to pay for depth when the depth could come cheaper with a younger player.

It has been reported that the Browns are allowing to Higgins to reach the free agent market, but they would be willing to bring Higgins back for the right price. However, the right price could be lower than what Higgins wants, which could end Higgins’ time in Cleveland.