4 free agent wide receivers the Cleveland Browns must consider in 2021 offseason
By Greg Newland
Wide receiver is not the biggest hole currently for the Cleveland Browns in 2021, but it is a position of concern. It isn’t that the Browns don’t have the talent, but unfortunately, their most talented piece, Odell Beckham, continues to face injury concerns.
Rashard Higgins and Jarvis Landry have also been productive for the Browns, but in tight man to man coverage like the team will face in the playoffs, they struggle to get open. Both games vs. the Baltimore Ravens and the playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs are prime examples of guys not getting open when Baker Mayfield needs to launch it quickly.
Donovan Peoples-Jones showed some flashes as a rookie, but he still isn’t that twitch guy who can get open underneath in tight coverage. All four of these guys have become loved in Cleveland but look for the ride to finally end with Higgins who is a free agent in 2021. Although he and Mayfield have become extremely good friends over the last three seasons, it’s time for the Browns to upgrade at wide receiver.
The other big question is what will the Browns do with Landry and Beckham? Truthfully, it will be tough to move on from either in 2021. Landry is a great possession receiver but is overpaid with a cap number nearing $15 million in 2021, and over $16.5 million next season. Beckham has a friendlier contract with his elite skills, but he just hasn’t been healthy in over four years. He played 16 games in 2019, but you could tell he was never fully healthy.
If Beckham stays healthy in 2022, there is no need to bring in anyone else in free agency. With a loaded draft, Berry could find plenty of talent in April to bring in. However, I don’t think anyone feels comfortable saying that Beckham will be healthy for a full season. Look for the Browns to move on from Higgins and evaluate bringing in one of these four prospect free agents.