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Cleveland Browns 'linked' to free agent WR Tyrell Williams

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Cleveland Browns are one of the expected suitors for former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams in free agency.

Through the first three hours of the NFL's free agent negotiating period, the Cleveland Browns have remained relatively quiet.

But when general manager John Dorsey does make his first free agency foray this offseason, it could be for one of the top pass-catchers on the market.

With Breshad Perriman un-signed and Rashard Higgins only given an original round restricted free agent tender, it's no secret that wide receiver is one of the Browns' biggest needs. Thus, it seems reasonable to believe that Cleveland could make a run at former Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tyrell Williams, who many believe to be the top free agent at his position.

On Monday, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora confirmed as much, tweeting that the Browns are one of the teams that has been linked to Williams. In addition to Cleveland, La Canfora also included the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills as teams with ties to the 27-year-old, who may be the only true starting outside receiver available on the open market.

Having spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chargers, Williams has seen his status in the league rise from undrafted free agent to prized free agent target. Last season, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound pass-catcher tallied 41 receptions on 65 targets to go along with 653 yards and 5 touchdowns -- two of which he scored against the Browns during Los Angeles' Oct. 14 victory in Cleveland.

What the Browns would be willing to pay Williams -- who while talented, doesn't possess No. 1 receiver type numbers -- may depend on their ability to retain Perriman. Cleveland has also been linked New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. in a potential trade.

With a shortage of receivers currently available in this year's market, there are plenty of variables that will go into the Browns' pass-catching pursuit. But with the free agent negotiating window now open, the clock is officially ticking.

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