Cleveland Browns: 3 veterans who will have reduced roles in 2021

1. Rashard Higgins, Wide Receiver

Easily one of the biggest fan favorites over the past three seasons, Rashard Higgins has done nothing but show up when called upon. In 2018, Higgins and Baker Mayfield showed an insane connection as the former fifth-round pick had 39 receptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns.

Then in 2019, he was relegated to the bench for much of the season as Freddie Kitchens apparently was not a fan of his. Higgins finished with just 55 yards and one touchdown (albeit a game-winner over Buffalo) on four receptions.

Even with the limited use that year, Higgins returned in 2020 on a one-year deal and once again impressed. He finished with 599 yards and four touchdowns on 52 receptions, which led to him again signing a one-year deal in the offseason.

The problem is, Higgins might once again see his role reduced in 2021. What’s often forgotten about when looking at last year is the fact that he wasn’t used much at all before Odell Beckham, Jr. was injured.

Heading into Week 7, when OBJ was hurt, Higgins had just five receptions. He then had six catches for 110 yards. Now looking ahead to 2021, OBJ is not only supposed to be back but the Browns also added Anthony Schwartz in the third round to give them a player who can stretch the field.

Throw the expected growth of Donovan Peoples-Jones into the mix and Higgins likely won’t get the same number of targets he had last year.

This isn’t to say he won’t be important to their success, but he’s also unlikely to get another 52 targets.