Word emerged from the NFL rookie scouting combine late Tuesday afternoon that the Cleveland Browns likely weren't going to be able to keep free agent-to-be, wide receiver Travis Benjamin, from at least testing the waters of the NFL's open market. Now, we may have an idea of just what teams are interested in potentially signing the diminutive pass-catcher. According to Draft Insider's Tony Pauline - who also broke the news that Benjamin wasn't likely to sign a long-term deal with Cleveland prior to free agency - the San Diego Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons are among the teams eyeing Benjamin.
Word from the combine has the San Diego Chargers & Atlanta Falcons in the hunt for receiver Travis Benjamin
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) February 24, 2016
The Chargers and Falcons are dealing with similar wide receiver situations. Both teams boast top of the line talents (Keenan Allen, Julio Jones) and aging No. 2's almost assured to either ride off into the sunset or find themselves playing for another NFL team in 2016 (Malcom Floyd, Roddy White).
Benjamin doesn't bring the size or the pedigree of either Floyd or White, but he does possess a special skillset and the ability to separate easily from defensive backs with his elite speed. He also has added value as a punt returner.
This past season, his fourth with the Browns, Benjamin finally broke out to the tune of 68 receptions for 966 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Chargers have Stevie Johnson manning the slot and he's under contract for two more seasons at cap hits of $3.9 million and $4.5 million. The dead cap penalty on his deal is $2 million in 2016, so it's likely they'll keep him on for the time being, but should Johnson's play slip, he very well may not see the final year of his deal.
Beyond Allen and Johnson though, and with Floyd's looming retirement, there's little in the way of established talent lower on the Charger depth chart. Ditto the Falcons, who may well find themselves depending on the likes of second-year receiver Justin Hardy alongside Jones next season if an addition or three isn't made in the offseason. Hardy showed some promise in 2015, nabbing 21 receptions for 194 yards, but he's nowhere near a known or dependable commodity.
Interestingly, the same could be said of Benjamin. Yes, he played very well for the Browns this past season, but it was the first time he'd collected more than 18 receptions or 314 yards. Considering he was in a contract year, that's a little worrisome, but there's no denying Benjamin's talents or the fact that some team will be willing to pay him.
It could be the Chargers or the Falcons, but it also could the Browns.
We'll know more in about two weeks.
