Cleveland Browns should explore adding Hakeem Butler

Hakeem Butler could fit with the Cleveland Browns

The Arizona Cardinals let go of wide receiver Hakeem Butler on Friday and the Cleveland Browns would be wise to place a claim on the big wide receiver, especially given the state of their receiving corps entering the 2020 season.

Cleveland is rather top-heavy with Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry leading the way. Behind them, they have a mixed bag with Rashard Higgins, KhaDarel Hodge, and Donovan Peoples-Jones in the mix for a roster spot.

Butler might not have the experience of Higgins or the speed of Hodge, but he does offer something neither of them has — a massive frame with an enormous catch radius. And Butler displayed that radius often at Iowa State when he was a highlight waiting to happen for the Cyclones.

And entering the draft, he was a player many felt could fit with the Browns. Take Scott Patsko for instance, as he wrote for Cleveland.com that Butler would fit in great due to his size and ability to break tackles. Patsko said ahead of the 2019 season that Cleveland didn’t have such a player on their roster, and they still don’t.

"“Butler is a big, physical receiver, the kind that the Browns don’t really have on their roster. While he’s not noted for his speed, but he’s tough to bring down.” — Patsko, Cleveland.com"

Of course, the question will be asked — why was he released if he’s so intriguing. Well, it’s simple, the Cardinals are stacked at receiver.

Right now, they have DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, and KeeSean Johnson — who was able to take Butler’s spot last season. This happened when Butler broke his hand and was sent to the IR before his season even began.

Right now, the Browns receiving corps is thin behind OBJ and Landry and it would cost nothing more than a roster spot to acquire the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Butler. It’s worth looking into, since there’s nothing to lose.