3 wide receivers Browns could sign to make Baker Mayfield look viable

Mike Williams proved he can be a top pass-catcher for the Browns or any NFL team

A receiver that played his best football at the perfect time was Los Angeles Chargers wideout Mike Williams. The 27-year-old was dominant in 2021, catching 76 passes for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns.

Williams was a bit underwhelming in his first four seasons with the Chargers but had his best statistical season with Justin Herbert in 2021. Mayfield is no Herbert, but Williams could be what Mayfield has needed on the outside: A physical, big-bodied wideout that can come down with 50/50 catches.

Mayfield has sailed passes at times, but Williams could bail him out with his athletic ability. In addition, Williams would be a great red zone option, benefitting from defenses’ focus on Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the backfield.

In early November, the Browns were one of the worst red-zone offenses in the league. As Jared Mueller of Browns Wire noted after eight weeks, the Browns were a bottom-third team in terms of red zone touchdown rate and Mayfield had only 20 passes in that area, worse than all but two quarterbacks with 19 or more attempts.

While those stats are a knock on Mayfield, the Browns had no legitimate red-zone receiving option that scared defenses. Players such as Austin Hooper or David Njoku would have to be schemed open. Williams, on the other hand, could be an outlet for Mayfield in the red zone when plays break down.