Browns Cut Earl Bennett

The Cleveland Browns announced via Twitter that they have cut Earl Bennett:

Bennett was signed shortly after the NFL Draft in light of the Browns not drafting any receiver and the news of Josh Gordon‘s up coming suspension. The signing made sense though the smaller Bennett would fight for time along with Andrew Hawkins and Travis Benjamin, though those two smaller receivers play different roles in the offense. Bennett was in no way going to replace Gordon’s production but was brought in to see how he could contribute to a depleted talent pool.

With mini-camp over its obvious the Browns didn’t see the need to keep the veteran around. Expect the team to look for other receivers during Training Camp or after roster cuts. The Browns could be interested in a number of veterans who could be cut for salary cap purposes. There are also receivers, like Andre Johnson, who could be available via trade as new regimes take over and look to make the roster into their liking.

Either way the lack of news on Gordon’s suspension, though it is clearly expected in the media, as well as Miles Austin‘s health issues throughout his career, mostly his hamstrings, keeps the receiving core as a weakness that may need to be addressed. The Browns could spend most of their time in 22 package with 2 running backs, 2 tight ends and 1 receiver this season.

Did you have hope for Bennett on the Browns?