Andrew Hawkins Announces He Has Been Released by Browns

Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins announced Monday that he has been released by the Cleveland Browns, per Uninterrupted:

The Browns also made the move official in a press release, per Andrew Gribble of the team's website. Head coach Hue Jackson spoke about the impact Hawkins had on the roster:

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It's tough to say goodbye to men like Hawk, that have done everything you've asked of them and gone above and beyond when it comes to leadership. Hawk was a rock for us last season. He kept our locker room together and led by example as he gave everything he had on the field. Our young players are going to be better players and better people because of the time they spent with Andrew Hawkins.

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With the Browns likely to build around second-year receiver Corey Coleman and breakout star Terrelle Pryor, should they re-sign him or use the franchise tag this offseason, Hawkins became expendable in Cleveland.

Add in tight end Gary Barnidge and running back Duke Johnson also playing a major part in the passing game—along with the possibility of drafting a wide receiver come April—and the Browns are in better shape than when Hawkins first joined the team.

Hawkins, 30, spent three seasons with the Browns, catching 123 passes for 1,424 yards and five touchdowns. But his production and usage has slipped over the past two years, according to Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus: 

He was also was set to make $1.8 million in 2017, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, likely a factor in the decision.