Cleveland Browns Free Agent Review: WR Marvin Hall

Next up on our 2021 review of the Browns’ unrestricted free agents is WR Marvin Hall.

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How and When He Joined the Browns: The Browns claimed Hall off waivers on December 7, 2020 after the Detroit Lions had let him go.

Productivity Level Last Season: Cleveland needed some depth at the back end of the roster at receiver due to injuries to Taywan Taylor and KhaDarel Hodge in December. Hall still wasn’t expected to play much, but when the COVID-19 news broke out just before the Jets game, Hall was thrust into action as one of two receivers who would be called upon to receive a lot of playing time against the Jets in Week 16.

Hall played 74 snaps that week, catching 1 pass for 12 yards (on 2 targets). Prior to joining the Browns, Hall had caught 17 passes for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Lions. Hall had been in the league as an undrafted free agent since 2016.

Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: Hall reportedly had a 4.28 40-time at his Pro Day several years ago, so his speed is definitely intriguing. He had gains of 73 and 55 yards last season with the Lions. Cleveland has reportedly been looking for a receiver who can stretch the defense more with his speed — could Hall be that player?

What the Browns Should Do: Hall might be able to fly, but again, I ask myself this question with all of these guys who are lower on the depth chart: “Are they a contender to be in the Top 3 or 4 players in playing time?” If the answer is “no,” then I don’t really care how much speed they have. Cleveland could offer Hall the minimum to come to camp and compete for a roster spot, but I’m maintaining the same thought I had with JoJo Natson and Taywan Taylor: try your luck at some undrafted free agents instead, especially since there will be a more traditional “offseason” in 2021.

Let us know below whether or not the team should try to re-sign Marvin Hall.