In just 16 receptions, Breshad Perriman has done more than enough to show the Cleveland Browns need to keep him in the mix, re-sign him.
In 10 games, Breshad Perriman has caught just 16 passes and yet the former Baltimore Ravens first round pick has done more than enough to show the Cleveland Browns need to keep him in the fold to see just how far he can go. A player that couldn’t stay healthy or catch the ball with the Ravens has looked the part of a playmaker for the Browns and Baker Mayfield, becoming a focal part of some play calls the last month of the year.
The son of Brent Perriman, who had a nine-year NFL career, most notably with the Detroit Lions, Breshad had a good college career at Central Florida. Pro Day workouts are what skyrocketed him into the first round as he ran a 4.26-second 40, broad jumped 10’7″ and had a vertical of 36.5 inches at 6-2, 212 pounds. Brent must wonder what he could have done with another five inches of height as he was just 5-9.
Injuries killed Perriman in Baltimore. He suffered three knee injuries in his first two seasons, then a concussion and a hamstring in his third. And when he was able to get on the field, he couldn’t catch a cold. The injuries never allowed Perriman to get any kind of comfort level, any confidence and it snow balled.
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When Perriman came to the Browns (I thought it was a complete waste of time), he had a fresh start, no expectations and he was fortunate enough to be healthy and get confidence in himself. Credit to Perriman and wide receivers coach Adam Henry for being able to work through his difficulties, forget the past and embrace the fresh start.
Injuries and his own hard work enabled Perriman to get on the field and Baker Mayfield doesn’t care what anyone has done in the past, if they’re open, they’re getting the ball. Perriman caught the first one and got a little more trust with every week. Then adding in his size and athleticism, they let him do more of what he was capable of doing coming out of college – stretching the field.
In the final eight games of the year, Perriman only had one game where he didn’t catch a pass for at least 17 yards. The last four, Perriman had an explosive play every game (20+ yards) and a pair of passes of over 60 yards. In that last month, Perriman caught eight passes on 12 targets for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns. That’s 15.6 yards per target.
It doesn’t hurt having Baker Mayfield as a quarterback and Freddie Kitchens deserves a lot of credit for some of the schemes that enabled Perriman to be in position to make those plays. Both Kitchens and Mayfield were willing to trust Perriman and he rewarded them handsomely for it.
Adding players like Perriman and Greg Robinson can help to accelerate how quickly the Browns contend. Both were found money propositions that didn’t cost the Browns anything but a roster spot and they have made the team better. If the Browns are able to re-sign both of them and they can keep their level of play going, the Browns are that much closer to being a contender.
Perriman is no fool either. He understands how good Baker Mayfield is and has expressed an interest to stay in Cleveland, per Cleveland.com:
"“I hope so. I really haven’t been thinking about that at all. Just focusing on racking these wins up,” he said, “but I definitely hope so.”"
Both sides appear motivated to get a deal done. And it shouldn’t take much to keep Perriman in the fold. The Browns don’t have to spend anything they’d be miss while giving Perriman a nice pay for 16 receptions and the opportunity to earn more in the future.
A one or two-year deal for a decent amount of money should do the trick. A two-year deal for $7-$10 million, perhaps with a roster bonus in the second year protects the Browns interests while giving Perriman a solid pay day for what he’s proven the past ten games.
A full offseason, healthy and working with Baker Mayfield could pay massive dividends for the Browns offense next year. It doesn’t mean they stop looking for receiver help, but with players like Perriman, Rashard Higgins, Antonio Callaway and David Njoku all showing growth this year, there’s reason to be excited and it helps protect them in case of injury.
Breshad Perriman, maybe more than any receiver this season has shown that if you can get open, Baker Mayfield will find you and you’ll have a chance to shine. To this point, Perriman has rewarded Mayfield and the Cleveland handsomely for it.