Mar 9, 2015
Report: Hartline to sign with Browns
Two people familiar with the decision say free agent wide receiver Brian Hartline intends to sign with the Cleveland Browns. Hartline, who played the past six seasons with Miami, agreed to terms on Monday with the Browns, said the persons who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet announced the deal.
The Canadian Press
BEREA, Ohio - The Browns found help at wide receiver. Brian Hartline is heading home.
Released last month by the Miami Dolphins after six seasons, Hartline agreed to terms Monday with Cleveland on a two-year, $6 million contract. The Browns confirmed the agreement and said a formal announcement will be made Tuesday, when teams can begin signing unrestricted free agents.
The Browns were desperate for quality depth at wide receiver after former Pro Bowler Josh Gordon was suspended for one year for being a repeat violator of the NFL's drug policy. Gordon must sit out the entire 2015 season.
Hartline was let go by the Dolphins in a cost-cutting move, and the Browns immediately contacted with the 28-year-old, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and played at Ohio State.
Following consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Hartline had just 39 receptions last season for 474 yards and two touchdowns. He has 298 career receptions for 4,243 yards and 12 TDs. Hartline made 69 starts for the Dolphins, including every game last season.
The Dolphins selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 draft.
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