What It Means:

“We brought him back because we believe he can help the team, and he understands that. That’s been very clear," O'Shea said. "I think that the biggest thing with him is physically he’s been trying to put himself in a great position, and that starts with being as healthy as he possibly can, which is important for everybody. He has really embraced learning the offense, which is going to be really important for him, as it is for all of our guys in the room. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to coach him.” Higgins had a forgetful 2019 campaign, but he's only a season removed from setting career-highs across the board with 53 targets, 39 catches, 572 yards, and 4 touchdowns. The problem is the Browns have a surplus of pass-catchers ahead of Higgins in the pecking order. He's in the mix for the Browns' third receiver job, but Kareem Hunt and Austin Hooper are both fully expected to command more targets in the passing game. Higgins will turn 26 in October.

numberFire's models expect Higgins to see just the seventh-largest target share on the Browns' offense this season. He's projected for 12.3 catches on 22.3 targets for 159.8 yards and 1.0 touchdowns.

Source: Akron Beacon Journal