OFFICIAL DEAL: The Cleveland Browns have formally announced that their star wide receiver, who signed a $145 million, six-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is leaving.

Browns ‘Team to Watch’ in Trade Talks for $22 Million WR

The Cleveland Browns added a wideout in Jerry Jeudy with potential to be a true No. 2 target alongside Amari Cooper, but the franchise could still dip its toe back into the pool of available wide receivers this offseason.

Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has made no secret of his desire to team up with Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins, putting public voice to the idea on multiple occasions. Higgins is currently under contract in Cincinnati on a one-year franchise tag deal worth nearly $22 million. However, despite the sizable payday, Higgins has since asked out, presumably seeking a team willing to offer him a multiyear contract worth considerably more guaranteed money.

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report mentioned the Browns as one of several “teams to watch” concerning trade talks for Higgins leading up to NFL draft weekend in late April.

“Higgins requested a trade last month after the Cincinnati Bengals hit him with the franchise tag,” Gagnon wrote. “Receiver-needy teams to watch include the Giants, Jets, Bears, Ravens, Browns, Chargers, Patriots and Titans.”

Tee Higgins Has Proven He Can Be WR1 for NFL Squad

 

 

Higgins has produced an impressive resumé over four years with the Bengals, topping 1,000 receiving yards twice and approaching it a third time on his way to 3,684 yards and 24 TDs across 58 career games.

While Higgins is talented enough to play the role of WR1, he’s been second-fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase — perhaps among the top five pass-catchers in the NFL — for the last three seasons, which renders Higgins’ statistical production all the more impressive. During times when Chase has been sidelined by injury, Higgins has proven himself capable of performing near the top of the position group league-wide.

Watson addressed Higgins directly during the January 26 edition of his “QB Unplugged” podcast, imploring the receiver to join him in Cleveland back before the Bengals preempted Higgins’ free agency via use of the franchise tag.

“You know what’s up with us man. I know you are down to roll. We want to pass the ball and are going to pass it a lot,” Watson said. “We are going to take care of you. The Cleveland fans will love you to death and we have the Clemson ties. We didn’t get to play with each other, but this is our opportunity. Come on over to The Land.”