Much of the focus on the Cleveland Browns right now is on the Johnny Manziel saga. As the team attempts to move past the quarterback they have to try and find someone that can be their franchise quarterback with depth lacking at the position. However, that is not the only thing the team must worry about this offseason as they have other big names hitting the free agent market including Travis Benjamin who is going to be getting some attention.
The Browns already made a move to re-sign one of their playmakers. Gary Barnidge signed a new contract prior to the end of the season before the tight end could even think about free agency. Now, Benjamin wants the same thing. The wide receiver had a solid 2015 season with 68 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns. They were all career-bests for him. That has made his name become very popular with free agency around the corner, but he would rather come back to Cleveland instead.
"Hopefully, I can lock up before March," Benjamin said, via Pro Football Talk Live. "Football is my life, my pride and joy. I leave it up to my agent to figure out where I'm going. Once I'm in the building it's all about getting better and going forward."
Benjamin told PFT Live that he has already spoken with new head coach Hue Jackson and he is excited about where the franchise is headed in the future. He believes the Browns have only good things ahead of them which might be true if they can get the quarterback situation taken care of. Over the past few years, that has been the biggest weakness for the team and Jackson knows it. With Manziel likely out of the picture, the team must try and find someone that can carry the franchise in the future.
Josh McCown could be the short-term answer. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, McCown and Jackson have spoken with one another and the veteran could be the favorite to start in 2016. The quarterback market is weak this year. The Browns have the No.2 pick in the NFL Draft and while many mock drafts have them selecting Jared Goff, Carson Wentz or Paxton Lynch with that selection, those three quarterbacks are not guaranteed any success. The Browns could simply be back in this same position a year or two from now.
Is the team better suited to wait a year? In the 2017 NFL Draft both Deshaun Watson and Baker Mayfield are expected to be available. Both quarterbacks were considered for the Heisman trophy as sophomores. Both quarterbacks look poised for NFL success. While it might not be the most exciting options for fans, letting McCown start in 2016 while potentially chasing a star-in-the-making with Watson could be the best move the Browns decide to make.
