Looking to go in another direction, the Cleveland Browns have released veteran wide receiver Brian Hartline.
Despite their obvious lack of experience at the position, the Cleveland Browns released veteran wide receiver Brian Hartline on Monday.
With 46 receptions for 523 yards and two touchdowns last season, Hartline was set to be the most productive player returning at the position after the Browns lost Travis Benjamin in free agency. However, after Cleveland’s new front office drafted four receivers in the draft, there was no need to keep Hartline around.
Honestly, this is probably a good thing for Hartline, who will undoubtedly land on his feet somewhere. The Browns are in a clear rebuilding situation, and will want give as much time as possible to their recently drafted players — Corey Coleman, Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rishard Higgins — along with developmental projects like Terrell Pryor and Marlon Moore.
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The Browns are clearly in a rebuilding situation, and they want as many of those guys to turn in to play-makers at the wide receiver position as they can. Snaps being used on a veteran like Hartline would be nothing more than a waste of possible development.
The 29-year-old Hartline joined the Browns as a free agent last season, after six successful years with the Miami Dolphins. Hartline’s best years have come in 2012 (74 receptions for 1,083 yards and one touchdown) and 2013 (76/1,016/4).
While he does not bring much upside to the table, Hartline is a sure-handed possession receiver who could certainly make a difference on a contender needing wide receiver depth. Hartline did not make any sense for the completely rebuilding Browns, but he is a stable player who will find a home quickly.
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