Browns Reportedly Targeting WRs Julian Edelman, Emmanuel Sanders & Andrew Hawkins

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports that the Cleveland Browns are “hot after” free agent slot receivers.

• Breer mentions Julian Edelman and Andrew Hawkins as two possibilities to watch.
• Jason La Canfora reports that Browns will be in on free agent WR Emmanuel Sanders.

Patriots have reportedly “intensified” contract negotiations with Edelman in recent days.

Edelman could be in for a decent market after being forced to sign a one-year contract that included a base salary of just $715,000. Some have mentioned that he could command a similar contract to that of fellow Patriots Danny Amendola who signed a five-year, $28.5 million contract that included $10 million guaranteed this offseason.

Last year, Edelman caught 105 receptions for 1,056 yards receiving and six touchdowns. He also did a great job on special teams as well.

Hawkins, 28, received an original round tender from the Bengals, which means the Browns wouldn’t have to part with draft compensation to sign him away from the Bengals.

He has flashed some ability during three seasons with the Bengals. Hawkins began the year on injured reserve with an ankle injury, but managed to return and finish the season with 12 receptions for 199 yards receiving over the course of eight games.

Sanders, 26, is coming off of his best season in the league. He totaled 67 receptions for 740 yards and six touchdowns over the course of 16 games.