The Cleveland Browns have been known for their struggles on the field in recent years, but one area that has consistently disappointed fans and analysts alike is their wide receiver position. Despite investing heavily in the draft to acquire top talent, the Browns have yet to find a true standout at the position. And now, with the team facing tough decisions on who to keep and who to cut, one player stands out as a top candidate for the chopping block – their $5 million draft bust.
Over the past few seasons, the Browns have not been shy about spending their draft picks on wide receivers. In 2016, they selected Corey Coleman with the 15th overall pick, hoping he would be the solution to their receiving woes. However, Coleman failed to live up to expectations and was traded to the Buffalo Bills after just two seasons. In 2018, the Browns used the fourth overall pick on Antonio Callaway, who showed flashes of potential but was ultimately released due to off-field issues. And most recently, in 2019, the Browns drafted Odell Beckham Jr. in a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants, but even he has yet to make a significant impact on the team.
With all of these high draft picks and big investments, the Browns have yet to find a true number one receiver. And now, as the team looks to make some tough decisions in order to improve their roster, one player’s name stands out as a top cut candidate – Rashard Higgins.
Higgins, who was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, has been a consistent presence on the team’s roster for the past five seasons. However, he has never been able to establish himself as a top receiver. In fact, in his five years with the team, Higgins has only recorded 1,082 receiving yards and six touchdowns. These numbers pale in comparison to the production of other top receivers in the league.
Despite his lack of production, the Browns have continued to hold onto Higgins, likely due to his relatively low salary. However, with the team facing salary cap constraints and a need to upgrade their receiving corps, it may be time for the Browns to cut ties with Higgins and move on.
Not only has Higgins failed to make a significant impact on the field, but he has also been plagued by injuries throughout his career. In 2020, he missed six games due to a knee injury, further limiting his already minimal contributions to the team. And with the Browns looking to build a winning culture and establish themselves as contenders in the AFC North, they simply cannot afford to keep a player who has been unable to stay healthy and produce on the field.
But it’s not just about production and injuries when it comes to Higgins. The Browns also have a wealth of young talent at the wide receiver position, including Donovan Peoples-Jones, who showed promise in his rookie season, and Rashod Bateman, who was drafted in the first round of this year’s draft. With these young players waiting in the wings, it may be time for the Browns to cut ties with Higgins and give their younger receivers a chance to shine.
Of course, cutting a player is never an easy decision, especially when they have been with the team for several years. But in order for the Browns to take the next step and become a true contender in the NFL, tough decisions must be made. And cutting Higgins, while a difficult choice, may be the best move for the team’s future success.
In the end, the Cleveland Browns have not been afraid to invest in wide receivers through the draft, but they have yet to see a significant return on their investments. And as they look to improve their roster and build a winning team, one player stands out as a top cut candidate – Rashard Higgins. It’s time for the Browns to make the tough decision and move on from their $5 million draft bust, in order to pave the way for a brighter future for the team.