NFL NEWS

Bengals let WR Hawkins go to Browns

The Sports Xchange

March 18, 2014 at 4:38 pm.

The Cincinnati Bengals decided against matching the Cleveland Browns’ offer to restricted free agent Andrew Hawkins, clearing the way for the wide receiver to move a few hours up the road to an AFC North and in-state rival.

The Bengals made an official announcement on Tuesday that they elected not to bring back Hawkins, who received a four-year, $13.6 million offer sheet from the Browns. Hawkins will be paid $10.8 million in the first two years of the deal, according to NFL.com.

The 5-foot-7 Hawkins could move into the starting lineup as a slot receiver for Cleveland. He would replace troubled wide receiver Davone Bess.

After missing the first eight games of 2013 while on injured reserve with an ankle problem, Hawkins finished the regular season with 12 catches for 199 yards and no touchdowns. In three seasons with the Bengals, the 28-year-old Hawkins had 86 receptions for 995 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bengals’ decision to let Hawkins go was not a surprise considering they have wide receivers A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones and tight ends Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert in the fold for next season.