Cleveland Browns: 3 Free agents still on the table
By Greg Newland
3. Dede Westbrook – Wide Receiver
The receiver position continues to be an interesting one for the Cleveland Browns. They have re-signed Rashard Higgins, and Odell Beckham will be back after a season-ending ACL injury in 2020. While the talent is there, the group has struggled to be productive.
A guy like Dede Westbrook could make sense if his market continues to soften. While the Browns may have some interest in drafting a wide receiver, Westbrook who was previously a fourth-round pick may be an even better option.
After a strong year two and three in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Westbrook was limited to just two games because of injury in 2020. Westbrook is a speedy guy who can get separation on deep routes and beat man-to-man coverage on crossing routes.
Westbrook would likely push Donovan Peoples-Jones out of the rotation but could be the exact piece the Browns are looking for to compliment Beckham. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Westbrook totals 1,377 receiving yards and had 8 touchdowns. So, he has shown he can be productive.
The injury in 2020 is a concern, but at the right price, Westbrook could make perfect sense. Remember, he and Mayfield played together at Oklahoma and could have an instant connection. If the Browns picked up a wide receiver in free agency, they could consider packing picks to move up for a better player in the draft as well.