3 free agent receivers the Cleveland Browns must consider at a discount
By Greg Newland
The one position that hasn’t seen movement in free agency, wide receiver. Will Andrew Berry get aggressive and add to the Cleveland Browns roster?
Although the free agency period doesn’t technically begin until 4 PM EST on March 17th, deals have been reported by nearly every team already, including the Cleveland Browns. While there was some belief that the market would be slightly down because of the cap decrease, the top talents still appear to be getting paid.
The Browns checked two boxes already by signing safety John Johnson and defensive end Takk McKinley. Johnson will be an every-down player on the defensive next season while McKinley will likely find himself as the third pass rusher on the team. The belief is out there that Andrew Berry will still add another defensive end to pair with Myles Garrett.
The one position that has been sluggish out of the gate is the wide receiver position. While there aren’t any true “elite” prospects available in 2021, it is shocking at the limited number of deals done. Corey Davis did reportedly get $12.5 million per year, Marvin Jones only drew $7.25 which feels below market value.
The Cleveland Browns aren’t desperate for a wide receiver at the moment, but there is no doubt that Rashard Higgins is going to test free agency. With a soft market, there is a chance that he would take less to stay in Cleveland, but also a chance that Berry may find his replacement at a discount.
If we knew Odell Beckham would be healthy for the full season, this likely wouldn’t even be a discussion, but the truth is the Browns need another receiver that can win in press coverage. The 2021 draft is certainly an option, but wide receiver is the one position that seems to be a real hit or miss in the NFL.
With a weak market, the Browns and Berry should consider these three free-agent receivers, especially if they can add them at a discount.