Could the Browns acquire a high-profile receiver through free agency or trade?

What was said about WRs by GMs and coaches at the NFL combine

Over the following two months, it is highly likely that the Browns will furnish Deshaun Watson with a couple of additional receivers. This could be achieved through free agency, trade or draft.

The draft class for receivers is of exceptional quality and depth, suggesting that they can secure a starter with their primary pick in the second round at No. 54 overall. Although GM Andrew Berry abstained from rating this group during Tuesday’s NFL combine event, Colts general manager Chris Ballard lauded it highly.

“It’s a solid class,” he commented. “There is extensive talent at every level, actually. It’s robust – quite strong overall. Although it might not surpass the one with Pitt (Michael Pittman Jr.), Jefferson and Aiyuk along with others in higher draft rankings; including CeeDee Lamb perhaps? Nevertheless, it bears similarity.”

Should they hold that same view, they could opt to wait until the draft to secure a wide receiver of starting quality. However, upon the commencement of the league year on March 13th, Berry will also explore options for veteran receivers through both free agency and trades – an approach which has yielded success in his past acquisitions such as Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. As always, he remains vigilant in seeking potential additions at this position.

During the combine this week, NFL GMs and coaches shared their thoughts on popular receivers.

Tee Higgins of the Bengals

Last month, Watson advocated for acquiring Higgins; however, this week became more challenging as the Bengals designated him with a franchise tag of $21.816 million. Though he could still be traded by the team, getting his services would require offering an expensive contract extension which may prove too costly for the Browns’ liking.

“The consensus is that we hold Tee in high regard and feel our team has improved with his presence,” stated Bengals’ GM Duke Tobin. “We cannot make predictions about hypothetical situations, but it’s clear that he adds value to us which is why the franchise tag was used. Although he isn’t bound by a contract, there are various possibilities for what could occur moving forward – all I can say is how confident we are in his compatibility within our organization.”

Higgins’ productivity in his last season was hindered by injuries, restricting him to just 12 games during which he managed to catch 42 passes for a total of 656 yards and scored five touchdowns. Having played four seasons prior, Higgins has garnered an impressive record consisting of 257 receptions that gather up to a sum of about 3,684 yards with additional scoring from touchdown contributions totaling twenty-four- something the Browns greatly need at this point.

However, his draft value and financial demands are probably beyond their affordability.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Evans intends on testing free agency for the first time in his 10-year career. If he proceeds with this decision, he could potentially become the most sought-after receiver available and attract numerous potential suitors.

The Browns could find Evans costly, however his exceptional performance would make it a worthwhile investment. According to Spotrac’s assessment of the player market value, Evans is priced at $23.8 million per year despite approaching 31 years in August which may appear steep but he has not displayed any drop in form as evidenced by last season’s blockbuster where he caught 13 TD passes and ranked ninth with an impressive yardage tally of 1,255 yards.

Despite Evans’ significant impact in resurrecting Baker Mayfield’s career, the Bucs do not intend to use the franchise tag on him due to his 2023 cap charge. Applying it would amount to $28.4 million instead of the commonly used receiver number of $21.6 million. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay is eager to retain both players by signing them again in a potential future agreement.

Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht stated that they are putting in a lot of effort to re-sign Mike Evans. Both parties are working diligently towards this common goal and everyone involved really hopes for him to stay with the team.

Despite the challenge of other teams offering lucrative contracts, the Bucs are committed to retaining a player who has dedicated his entire career in Tampa and consistently achieved 1,000 yards for all ten seasons through hard work.

Coach Todd Bowles praised Mike for his consistency over the past decade, stating that he has done the same thing every year. While being dynamic on the field, Mike maintains a humble demeanor off-field but is still confident in his abilities as a player. He remains one of Coach Bowles’ favorite players and has earned respect for all that he does in his role on the team.

The speculation about the possibility of trading Jefferson, who was chosen as the No. 22 pick in last year’s draft from LSU and a talented All-Pro for 2022, has been dismissed by Vikings’ GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Adofo-Mensah expressed that the idea of getting rid of a player who is loyal and committed to their team was never considered. He stated, “If you have someone on your squad who embodies your values and identity, like this blue player does, it’s in the best interest to retain them.”

Despite sitting out due to a hamstring injury in seven games last season, Jefferson was able to amass impressive stats with 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five TDs. The Vikings have expressed their commitment towards keeping him on the team; however, if they ever consider trading him off, his valuable skills would definitely be sought after by other teams across NFL – including Browns.

Adofo-Mensah stated that while he hears a lot of false information, he cannot refute it as his promised operating style does not allow him to do so. However, Adofo-Mensah expressed excitement about having him on board and continuing conversations because they see value in maintaining their association with the individual for an extended period of time.

Unless the Colts elect to secure him with a franchise tag or an extension, Pittman – their second-round selection in 2020 and No. 34 overall pick – is set to become available on the market. Nonetheless, Spotrac reports that his value stands at roughly $22.7 million per year for four years which comes as no surprise given his significant contribution last season where he ranked fifth among NFL players with 109 receptions and was placed fourteenth with an impressive score of1,152 yards while also adding another accomplishment by catching four TDs passes along the way!

“Our discussions with his agent have been positive,” stated Ballard. “We are committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement and will put in the necessary effort. While we do possess the franchise tag, I cannot confirm nor deny its use at this time. Our goal is for both sides to reach an acceptable compromise on contract terms.”

Although he would complement Cooper well, the Browns may find his cost too steep. However, there is a potential advantage in their corner – Pittman shares an agent with Watson named David Mulugheta, as does Higgins.

Davante Adams of the Raiders

Although the six-time Pro Bowler is frequently speculated to be available for trade, Raiders GM Tom Telesco rejected that idea during the combine.

“He belongs to the Raiders,” he stated.

Adams, who was selected by the Packers with their 53rd overall pick in the 2014 draft, will earn a base salary of $16.89 million for the year 2024 and bases of $35.64 million for each subsequent season. Although this may seem like a hefty amount to pay an aging receiver at age 31, it’s justifiable if he can lead them to victory. If Cleveland is able to acquire someone as impactful as Adams with their No.54 selection in the draft, they’ll be set at that position moving forward..

The Ravens’ 2019 first-round pick, Brown, has the necessary speed and agility to match Watson’s abilities. He also has a genuine possibility of becoming available in the market. With an estimated annual worth of $14.8 million according to Spotrac, The Browns can sign him up after freeing up some cap space. Even though he managed to catch 51 passes for 574 yards and four TDs while filling Kyler Murray ‘s absence due to ACL injury during most part of last season at just (5-feet-9-inches tall)180 pounds), working alongside Watson will potentially increase his productivity further .

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon stated that there is an economic aspect to the matter which will be resolved as they progress.

Due to their cap problems, the Bills may be unable to retain Gabe Davis as a potential free agent. Davis has worked with Ken Dorsey during his four seasons and appeared frequently in Josh Allen’s plays last season, recording 45 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns. Spotrac estimates that he is worth roughly $13.6 million making him an affordable option for any team looking to pick him up.

Davis and fellow free agents have been praised by Bills GM Brandon Beane, who expressed their admiration for drafting, developing and signing players. According to Beane, these individuals have shown immense growth over the years–enough to earn them a spot in the free agency market. While he confirms discussions are underway regarding contracts with such players (and every other eligible agent), practical factors must also be considered before taking any action as this may lead to financial challenges beyond 2025 or later. Nevertheless, despite potential complications down the road there is no one specific individual whose return isn’t desired by management at present — conversations remain ongoing without further updates until decisions will ultimately need made concerning Buffalo’s future potentials in regards of drafts had made under Brandon’s leadership!