Browns Playing Hardball With Free Agent Rashard Higgins

The Cleveland Browns may have finally turned the corner after they made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2002. They need to keep their core offensive group intact this offseason in order to give the team the best chance at succeeding. That includes wide receiver Rashard Higgins.

Cleveland's front office appears to be playing hardball regarding Higgin's free-agent contract negotiations. While they are aware of the role he plays on this team, the Browns do not seem to be budging on their initial offer.

My understanding, as of very early this morning, is that #Browns WR Rashard Higgins was still allowing his market to unfold, while Cleveland is staying pretty firm on what they're offering. They appreciate what he brings. Aware of his connection with Mayfield too. We'll see.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2021

Rashard Higgins Free Agency

Higgins was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft and has been developing into a reliable option in the passing game ever since. His relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield is flourishing as Higgins put up a career-best 599 yards on 37 receptions last season (16.2 yards per reception).

Plus, Higgins thrived the most when playing under the Browns' current coaching staff and offensive scheme. Bringing him back to run routes lined up alongside Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry would give the team a daunting trio that no opposing defense wants to face.

In a free agent wide receiver class full of big names such as Kenny Golladay and Juju Smith-Schuster, it's possible a player like Higgins can get lost in the mix. However, he would be an underrated pickup for any NFL team this offseason and Cleveland would be smart to bring him back.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.