Free Agency Frenzy: 3 wide receivers the Browns could sign

The Cleveland Browns receiving room is a big ask. Amari Cooper was a Pro Bowl alternate and the undisputed No. 1 receiver. Donovan Peoples-Jones has pretty much solidified himself as a WR2 and is teetering on being a star in this league.

But then? They selected David Bell and Anthony Schwartz in consecutive third rounds in the NFL Draft. Demetric Felton was supposed to be this Mr. Versatility. The coaching staff praised rookie Michael Woods, who barely saw the field due to a hamstring injury.

Will the Browns re-sign kick returner/receiver Jakeem Grant, who sat out all of last season with an Achilles tendon injury? Will they be patient with Jaelon Darden, Daylen Baldwin, Mike Harley and Márquez Stevenson?

Or maybe General Andrew Berry once again signs another veteran for this list. Just look at what the Cincinnati Bengals are doing with three exceptional receivers.

Here are three possibilities for the Browns.

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Jakobi Meyers New England Patriots

6′-2”, 200 lbs.

Age: 26

NFL Draft: Undrafted free agent in 2019 (Patriots)

Career Professional Bowls: none

40 time: 4.63

Season 2022: 14 games, 67 receptions, 96 targets, 804 yards, 6 touchdowns, 38 first down receptions, 12 receiving yards

Thomas Moore: Jakobi Meyers saw his overall numbers drop in 2022 thanks to missing three games — a knee injury in Week 3, a concussion in Week 13 and a shoulder injury in Week 17 — but he still led the Patriots. in goals for the second straight season. His six touchdown receptions were the best of his career and he has surpassed 800 receiving yards in consecutive seasons.

Since 2020, Meyers has posted a slump rate of just 3.1 percent, according to Pro Football Focus, which ranks ninth among qualified wide receivers during that time period, and uses his precise routing to create separation from backs. opposing defensives. He is a solid option as an intermediate target, but can also pose a threat on seam routes.

Meyers would be a solid choice at No. 2 receiver to pair with Amari Cooper, and playing quarterback Deshaun Watson would be a significant upgrade after catching passes the past two seasons from Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.

Contract projection: four years, $64 million ($16 million per year); $40 million total guaranteed

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DJ Chark Jr. Detroit Lions

6′-4”, 198 lbs.

Age: 26

NFL Draft: 2018 Round 2, pick No. 61 (Jaguares)

Career Professional Bowls: 1

40 time: 4.34

Season 2022: 11 games, 30 receptions, 52 targets, 502 yards, 3 touchdowns, 24 first-down receptions, 16.7 receiving yards

DJ Chark Jr. has dealt with injuries the past two seasons that have limited him to playing in just 15 games, but he still put up decent enough numbers with the Detroit Lions in 2022 to spark some interest in free agency.

After returning to the field in Week 12, Chark had three games with 90+ receiving yards, 11 explosive receptions (per Pro Football Focus) and averaged 17.6 receiving yards, highlighting his ability to stretch the field and give something to rival defenses. worry about. His 11 touchdown receptions on passes of 15 or more yards over the past four seasons have Chark tied for eighth most in the NFL, according to PFF.

His injury history could reduce Chark’s value in free agency, which could put him at stake for the Browns even in a year when the wide receiver pool isn’t large and teams may be paying a premium for players who They don’t necessarily deserve a lot of money.

Contract projection: three years, $35 million ($11.66 million per year); $23.5 million total guaranteed

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Allen Lazard- Green Bay Packers

6′-5”, 227 lbs.

Age: 27

NFL Draft: not redacted

career professional bowls: none

40 time: 4.55

Season 2022: 15 starts, 60 receptions, 100 goals, 788 yards, 6 touchdowns, 45 first down receptions, 13.1 receiving yards

Barry Shuk: Whether Cleveland is happy with its reception room is a difficult question to answer. Lazard is still a young man at 27 and ranks as the third-best receiver in free agency.

After Green Bay traded their star receiver Davante Adams last offseason, Lazard became the default WR1. He later had career highs in both goals and receptions. He is also an excellent downfield blocker, so he is a great value in both the passing and running games. Lazard’s height and long range are certainly a benefit in the Red Zone.

Contract projection: three years, $33 million ($11 million per year); $21.5 million total guaranteed