Cleveland Browns: At Least Two NFL Teams Showing Interest In Travis Benjamin
The Cleveland Browns can’t get Travis Benjamin signed, and now the “Rabbit” wants to test free agency and the San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons will reportedly come calling.
Just as Travis Benjamin started to blossom as a wide receiver, the Browns do what the Browns usually do by going Full Blown Browns.
Rather than locking up a talent the organization drafted and developed, Benjamin will hit free agency, and to this “Rabbit,” the grass might look greener on a different field, because after stating he was close to get a deal done toward the end of the season, Benjamin decided to see what other offers he can get on the open market.
The new regime can’t be totally blamed for failing to secure Benjamin. The Browns have had a history of failing to keep players they draft and develop and Ray Farmer did little to change this culture during his short reign as GM.
Now, other teams are recognizing Benjamin’s talents, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that at least two teams, the San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons are interested in acquiring speedy receiver who can stretch the field, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsiders.net.
Word from the combine has the San Diego Chargers & Atlanta Falcons in the hunt for receiver Travis Benjamin
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) February 24, 2016
In Atlanta, Roddy White‘s best days are behind him, and the team is non-committal about whether he’ll return. The Falcons still have an elite receiver in Julio Jones. Take into account that the Falcons have a quarterback in place named Matt Ryan, and Benjamin may see the opportunity to win, and get paid.
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In San Diego, the Chargers have seen better days, but Benjamin must recognize that he would put up stellar stats playing with Phillip Rivers, as long as both could stay healthy.
This is the kind of problem that creeps up when you don’t look out after your own. The Browns have been nothing but dysfunctional during Benjamin’s stay in an orange helmet. Additionally, the crossroads Benjamin is at in his career doesn’t come along very often.
He’s a 26-year-old free agent who should keep trending upward. This is one of the few times in a player’s career that they have leverage over their team. From a business standpoint, it’d be foolish not to test the market.
And if a team comes at Benjamin with an intoxicating offer, it won’t be a surprise to see him leave, because if this new regime is going to be successful, they’re not going to be able to change things over night.
Next: 10 Free Agents The Browns Should Sign In 2016
The Browns were fortunate to lock up Gary Barnidge before season’s end. They might not be so lucky with Benjamin. If he does leave, hopefully his case will give the new braintrust a cold dose of reality of how important it is to re-sign players who cut their teeth, yet still manage to excel, playing on a down-on-their-luck team, such as the Browns.