The Browns cut veteran wide receiver Brian Hartline, the team announced Monday.
The franchise’s decision to terminate Hartline’s contract is yet another reminder of its rebuilding process and youth movement.
Hartline, a GlenOak High School graduate and Ohio State product, joined the Browns last year by signing a two-year, $6 million contract.
Hartline, 29, started four of 12 games during his lone season with his hometown team and compiled 46 catches for 523 yards and two touchdowns. He missed one game with a concussion and the final three with a broken collarbone that required surgery.
He spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in the fourth round (No. 108 overall) in 2009. His best seasons were 2012 (74 catches for 1,083 yards and one touchdown) and 2013 (76 catches for 1,016 yards and four touchdowns).
The Browns telegraphed a purge of veteran receivers last month by drafting four players at the position: Corey Coleman (first round, No. 15 overall, Baylor), Ricardo Louis (fourth round, No. 114, Auburn), Jordan Payton (fifth round, No. 154, UCLA) and Rashard Higgins (fifth round, No. 172, Colorado State).
Browns coach Hue Jackson also tipped his hand regarding Hartline last week.
“Hartline is a pro,” Jackson said. “He’s been through it. He’s had success. He knows how to play, and there’s something to that.
‘‘At the same time, he knows each and every day he’s got to go out and compete because everybody’s trying to win a spot. To me, that’s what it’s truly all about. It’s about competing, and it’s about earning a right to be a part of this football team.”
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.
