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Have Browns moved on from WR Rashard Higgins?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/15/21

There are signs at the start of the midweek that the Cleveland Browns could be prepared to move on from a wide receiver who is a fan-favorite not named Odell Beckham Jr.

On Monday, the Browns confirmed that they placed a tender on restricted free agent wideout and special-teams member KhaDarel Hodge. Hodge dealt with a hamstring injury last fall, spent time on the reserve/COVID-19 list in January, and finished the regular season with 11 receptions for 180 yards.

Per Fred Greetham of the Orange and Brown Report, Hodge will earn $2.133 million in 2021 if he does not sign elsewhere.

As Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland pointed out, Monday's development suggests the Browns are prepared to allow receiver Rashard Higgins to enter free agency:

Browns reportedly tender RFA KhaDarel Hodge. His run-blocking + special teams production apparently trumps Rashard Higgins’ chemistry w Baker Mayfield.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) March 15, 2021

Higgins tallied 37 receptions for 599 yards and four touchdowns last year and also built chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. He campaigned for Browns general manager Andrew Berry to re-sign him during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland in late February.

Also on Monday, Pro Football Focus continued to predict Higgins will sign a two-year deal worth $5.5 million in guaranteed cash, $4 million fully guaranteed at signing, and $10 million overall if he tests free agency.

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