Cleveland Browns: How to replace Travis Benjamin?

The Cleveland Browns have new holes to fill thanks to losing four starters in free agency. So how can the team replace wide receiver Travis Benjamin?

The opening days of free agency were not kind to the Cleveland Browns as the team saw four starters leave town for what they believe will be better days.

While the loss of center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz will be the most painful, both figuratively and literally for whoever lines up behind center, the Browns also have to find a replacement for wide receiver Travis Benjamin.

The fourth-year receiver had a career year in 2015, finishing with 68 receptions, 966 yards and five touchdown receptions. Benjamin also rediscovered his game as a punt returner, averaging 11.6 yards per return (third best in the league) and adding his third career punt return touchdown.

“We feel like we need to have some great play at the wide receiver position, whether it’s from the slot, certainly outside.” – Sashi Brown

Even though Benjamin brought a sense of excitement to the offense, it is worth noting that of his eight touchdown receptions over the past two seasons, five of them came against the Tennessee Titans. Unless the Browns are going to be allowed to schedule the Titans eight or nine times a year, the playmaker aspect of Benjamin’s game may not be as hard to replace as some are making it out to be.

The Browns do need to do something, of course, as Benjamin was a solid part of the offense and it is pretty impressive that he almost hit 1,000 receiving yards while catching passes the final five games of the season from Johnny Manziel and Austin Davis.

Let’s take a look at the Browns’ options – internally, through free agency as well as the draft – for replacing Benjamin’s spot in the lineup.

Next: Internal Options