MAY 21: Bennett got the minimum salary from the Browns, but $75K of his base salary is guaranteed, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
MAY 15: The Browns have officially signed wide receiver Earl Bennett, the team announced today (via Twitter). The move, which was first reported by Jake Jones of KFBB TV (via Twitter), comes on the heels of Cleveland also adding veteran receiver Miles Austin.
Bennett, who spent several seasons with the Bears after being drafted by the team in the third round in 2008, was cut earlier in the offseason after Chicago tried and failed to find a trade partner. The 27-year-old Bennett hasn’t been a starting wideout since 2009, but posted decent numbers in part-time action over the last few years, catching between 24 and 46 balls for an average of 390 yards per season and 10 overall touchdowns from 2010-2013.
With the Browns, Bennett should have an opportunity to earn a roster spot and immediate targets, particularly if Josh Gordon is suspended for most or all of the season, as is expected. Bennett will join Miles Austin, Nate Burleson, and Andrew Hawkins as newcomers to Cleveland’s receiving corps this summer.