The Browns are close to re-signing Travis Benjamin, per Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com (on Twitter). It’s not immediately clear exactly when he feels a deal will be reached, however. 
For months now, the Browns and Benjamin have been discussing a new pact. Recently, when about his pending free agency, Benjamin replied that “the ball is in my court,” suggesting that he hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll sign an extension with Cleveland or explore the open market. However, Benjamin has said multiple times that he’d like to return to the Browns. In December, Benjamin indicated that he was about 75% or 80% of the way to reaching a new deal with Cleveland. Now, it seems that number could be finally closing in on 100%.
In 2015, Benjamin hauled in a career-high 68 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns. He also served as the team’s primary punt returner, taking 28 punts back for an average of 11.6 yards per attempt. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (sub. req’d) placed Benjamin in a four-way tie for the 66th best receiver amongst all qualified players. To the naked eye, however, the 26-year-old looks the part of a strong No. 2 receiving option.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
In terms of Cleveland’s potential defectors, I’d rate Benjamin fourth behind Schwartz, Mack and Gipson. A nice receiver who enjoyed a strong contract year, Benjamin will help the next Browns QB assuming he indeed stays. But losing the former contingent will set the franchise further back in its latest rebuild.