Another former Buck being wooed Browns Free-agent Hartline has a visit with Browns from B1
Brian Hartline has several teams interested in his services now that he has been released by the Miami Dolphins.
(AP)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If the Browns are going to land receiver Brian Hartline, they're going to have to fend off the Texans, Patriots, Bears and perhaps a few other teams.
Hartline, the Canton, Ohio, native, is still seriously considering the Browns even though he also has strong interest and possibly even solid offers from the Texans, Bears and Patriots, a source told Northeast Ohio Media Group. The Colts might also have him on their radar, a source said.
Hartline, released by the Dolphins last week, visited the Texans Thursday and completed his physical there in the afternoon. Afterward, he was mulling his opportunities and getting set to make a decision soon. In addition to the Browns, Texans, Bears and Patriots, the Dolphins have left the door open to a return.
He might even make up his mind by later today, a source said. At this point, he's looking not only for the most playing time, but also the most lucrative deal. The Dolphins released him last week rather than pay him $5.95 million in 2015.
Hartline's decision will be based, in part, on the salary versus the quarterback he'll be playing with. The Browns will most likely start 12-year veteran Josh McCown this season, and the Texans might start Ryan Mallett. The Bears have Pro Bowler Jay Cutler, although they haven't committed to him in 2015, and the Patriots obviously have a future Hall of Famer in Tom Brady.
In Houston, the Texans are also looking to possibly replace seven-time Pro Bowler Andre Johnson, who's asking for his release in the aftermath of coach Bill O'Brien telling him his role will be reduced. Johnson is under contract to make $11.5 million in 2015 and $12 million in 2016. The Texans will possibly agree to terms with Hartline without letting him leave the building today.
In Chicago, the Bears are seeking to possibly replace five-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, whom they might trade or release by the March 12 deadline for his $7.5 million contract to be fully guaranteed. The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Bears are exploring trade options for the nine-year veteran.
The defending Super Bowl champion Patriots are also interested in signing Hartline, a source said, and may have already made a preliminary offer. The Pats may be looking to replace Danny Amendola, who could become a cap casualty.
Hartline may also have been on the Colts radar, but it's not known if they're currently in the mix.
In Cleveland, Hartline would help fill the void left by Josh Gordon, who's serving a minimum one-year ban for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Hartline would be a veteran presence among young receivers Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel and Travis Benjamin. The Browns will also try to re-sign Miles Austin and will undoubtedly draft a receiver fairly high.
In his six seasons with the Dolphins, Hartline, a fourth-round pick in 2009, caught 298 passes for 4,243 yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2012 and 2013, he became just the fifth receiver in Dolphins history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Last season, Hartline's production dipped when the Dolphins revamped their offense. As a backup, he caught only 39 passes for 474 yards and two TDs. But as a starter in the two previous seasons, he averaged 75 receptions and more than 1,000 yards.
Meanwhile, Hartline's brother, Mike, was hired by Urban Meyer to help coach the Ohio State quarterbacks, according to the Miami Herald.