Cleveland Browns: Top 5 players deserving of a new contract
By Cory Kinnan
4. WR Rashard Higgins
It is time to get on the Rashard Higgins hype train before it is too late as he will have an even bigger season than he did a year ago. Higgins entered the offseason as a restricted free agent, but signed his tender with the Browns and is back for 2019.
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Higgins was cut in his second season under Hue Jackson before being elevated again to the active roster after one week on the practice squad. He broke out last year and saw immense production on limited targets in 2018.
As Mayfield’s favorite target a year ago, the Browns should look to do whatever it takes to keep Higgins around past this year. However, if they are unable to retain his services, it is not the end of the world as Mayfield seems Brady-esque with the ability to elevate the play of those around him.
On just 39 catches, Higgins managed 572 yards and four scores in 13 games. Had he seen the reps that Jarvis Landry got, he would have soared over 1,000 yards receiving. He graded out as an above average starter and in the green according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) with a grade of 68.1.
If the Browns are looking to cut costs, keeping Higgins around long term for the price of around $6-8 million annually and move on from another overrated receiver on their roster making double. Keeping Mayfield’s favorite receiver in Cleveland should be a priority of the Browns.