The Cleveland Browns have issued qualifying tender offers to three of their exclusive rights free agents. In what’s more of a paperwork formality, the team locked up the trio for 2020. The Browns announced the move in conjunction with issuing a second-round tender offer to restricted free agent RB Kareem Hunt.
Tight end Pharaoh Brown, running back Dontrell Hilliard and wide receiver/special teams ace KhaDarel Hodge were all issued their tender offers prior to the deadline.
Brown caught just two passes in nine games but demonstrated some promise for a larger role. He’s a Cleveland native.
Hilliard and Hodge made their primary contributions on special teams in 2019. They figure to remain fixtures on those units more than they contribute to the base offense.
An Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) is a player that has less than three accrued seasons in the NFL but an expired contract. They do not have the ability to negotiate deals with other teams.