Browns Officially Sign Veteran WR Earl Bennett

 

Update:

#Browns have officially signed WR Earl Bennett and DL Elhadji Ndiaye

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 15, 2014

————-

Jake Jones of KFBB reports that the Cleveland Browns have signed veteran WR Earl Bennett to a contract.

Bennett spent a number of years with the Bears before his role was ultimately reduced last season. Chicago approached him regarding a pay cut, but he reportedly refused and was later release.

Some thought Bennett could surface with the Buccaneers given that they hired his former head coach Lovie Smith, but Tampa Bay elected to go a different route in free agency and have since drafted Mike Evans.

There’s no question that the Browns could use some additional depth at receiver now that Josh Gordon is facing a possible season-long suspension, but recent speculation suggested guys like Miles Austin or Santonio Holmes could be options.

Last year, Bennett appeared in 15 games and totaled 32 receptions for 243 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 72 receiver in the league in 2013.