Travis Benjamin, Browns progressing on new deal

The Cleveland Browns and wide receiver Travis Benjamin both want to reunite, even with new head coach Hue Jackson. According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, this reunion seems to be occurring sooner rather than later, at least according to the player’s agent, Ronald Butler.

“I’m optimistic that something will get something done in the near future,” said 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.

“Travis knows what his value is. It’s just a matter of coming up with something both sides are comfortable with.”

Even before the new regime came in, the University of Miami product made it clear that he wanted to return to Cleveland. Second on the team in receptions (career-high 68), receiving yards (966), and touchdown catches (5), trailing only tight end Gary Barnidge for the team lead in all three categories. Along with ranking second on the team in almost all receiving categories, the 5-foot-10, 172-pound playmaker turns his speed into a great return man as well. In 2015, he averaged 11.6 yards per punt return.

While with Cincinnati (and other previous coaching experience), Jackson has been known to have a very good offense. With him taking charge of the play calling duties, Benjamin said that he is excited about the future of Cleveland’s offense.

“I love it,” he said. “Being a receiver and knowing the type of offense we’re going to run, where he always finds way to get guys open, it will be great for us,” he said.

During his four years so far with the Browns, Benjamin has caught 109 passes for 1,683 yards and 10 touchdowns, while running for 134 yards on 14 carries as well. Also, Benjamin has also average 12.6 yards per return on 68 punt returns and 18 kickoff returns for an average 26 yards per return on 18 kickoff returns.

If Benjamin returns to Cleveland with a new contract, he could potentially lineup opposite of wide receiver Josh Gordon, who applied for reinstatement on January 20. That could be a perfect duo for whoever the Browns’ front office decides to bring in as their new quarter. Add Barnidge and running back Duke Johnson, the Browns could potentially have plenty of playmakers in 2016.

“It would be very explosive. You can’t roll the coverage to one single guy with Josh, Gary, Duke Johnson or Isaiah Crowell. It would be really exciting,” Benjamin said.

This is all in significant contrast to last year’s free agent class that was largely given little in the way of consideration. Cornerback Buster Skrine went on to bigger and better things with the New York Jets, quickly followed by Jabaal Sheard who went on to have an eight-sack season with the New England Patriots. Restricted free agents Tashaun Gipson and Craig Robertson were given tenders instead of contract extensions, leading to yet another offseason of uncertainty surrounding the Browns’ roster.

The fifth-year wideout is set to become a free agent when the new NFL year starts on March 9, the same day Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is expected to be released.