Browns

Browns WR Travis Benjamin To Test Open Market, Has Meetings Set Up With A Few Teams

February 23, 2016

Update:

Rand Getlin of NFL Media confirms the previous reports that Browns free agent WR Travis Benjamin will test the free agent market after contract talks broke down in recent days.

According to Getlin, the Browns discussed a contract extension for an extended period of time, but ultimately the sides couldn’t agree to terms.

Benjamin’s agent tells Getlin that they plan to meet with prospective teams at the appropriate time.

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According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, word around the Scouting Combine is that Browns free agent WR Travis Benjamin will test the open market in the coming weeks.

Pauline adds that Benjamin already has meetings lined up with a few teams.

This comes in contrast to recent reports that the Browns are “close” to re-signing Benjamin.

Indications have been that the Browns and Benjamin could eventually get a deal done before the start of free agency. However, this year’s free agent market is limited in terms of receiver depth and it could prove to be beneficial for Benjamin to see what’s out there.

It’s worth mentioning that Benjamin’s agent, Ronald Butler, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer previously that he was “optimistic” that they’ll be able to get an agreement done at some point.

“I’m optimistic that something will get something done in the near future,” Butler. “We’ve been in contact with the organization here in the last couple of weeks and we’re still trying to figure out how we can get this thing done where both sides agree to a fair offer. But Cleveland has made strides in terms of getting him back in a Browns uniform.”

Benjamin, 26, was taken in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Browns. He played out the final year of his four-year, $2.577 million rookie contract and is in position to be one of the best available receivers in this year’s free agent market.

In 2015, Benjamin appeared in all 16 games and recorded 68 receptions for 966 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Benjamin has also contributed 324 punt return yards and a touchdown. Pro Football Focus has Benjamin rated as the No. 86 receiver out of 119 qualifying players.

We have him featured in our Top 100 – 2016 Free Agents list.