After narrowly losing out on re-signing free agent Jordan Cameron, the Browns will take a look at another FA tight end in the hopes of adding another piece to their offense. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, former Cardinals tight end Rob Housler will meet with Cleveland on Wednesday.
Housler, 27, had a disappointing 2014 season, as he notched just nine receptions for 129 yards — from 2012-13, however, he posted respectable numbers, averaging 42 catches for 436 yards. With most of the top tight end options picked over, Housler, along with Jermaine Gresham and Zach Miller, are probably the best available at the position. Housler has also met with the Bengals and Falcons this offseason, while, according to Wilson, the Ravens have offered him a contract.
With the Browns, Housler would vault to the top of the depth chart, where his competition at tight end would be Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray. Housler, a Florida Atlantic product, isn’t much of a blocker, but he could add a pass-catching element at TE that is sorely needed in Cleveland. The Browns have added Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline at receiver in the past month, but the 6’5”, 250-pound Housler could add a different dimension to the club’s offense.
We first heard about two weeks ago that the Browns were “considering” Housler, so it will be interesting to see if anything comes of tomorrow’s visit.