Chargers News: Travis Benjamin on Chargers Radar?

The San Diego Chargers always seem to need another quality wide receiver. Philip Rivers likes to throw the ball around to multiple targets and has no problem working with new potential receivers either. Or at least he has had to because of the constant turnover at the position.

With Malcom Floyd all set to retire, the team is definitely in need now for a quality deep threat receiver. Floyd filled that role since being drafted the same year as Philip Rivers. He wasn’t exactly a speed burner though, he just went up and took balls away from defenders using his great height advantage. Floyd will be greatly missed, but the team does have some options on the open market.

The Cleveland Browns tried to sign Travis Benjamin to a contract extension, but it looks like they are going to fail in their attempt. With that being said, the Chargers reportedly have interest in Benjamin as he would provide a speedy deep threat receiver. A dimension the team has not had for a long time.

Wide receivers like Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd and Kennan Allen are not the fastest runners. They are big receivers that go up and get the ball, but the Chargers in recent memory haven’t had that speed burner on the outside to stretch the defense and give Rivers a down field threat. Benjamin could be that man.

Travis Benjamin was clocked at 4.36 seconds on the 40-yard dash as a rookie and has more than enough speed to get down field. He, opposite Kennan Allen would be an interesting combo. Benjamin had a break out year this year after having injury and production issues most of his brief four-year career. He started 15 and played in 16 games for the Browns this year. Benjamin caught 68 balls for 966 yards and scored five touchdowns. He previously had only started six games at receiver in the previous three years for the Browns. He was mainly used as a punt and kick returner prior to 2015. Which brings me to my next point.

The Chargers got hosed with the Jacoby Jones experiment last season and the team desperately needs a return man. Adding Benjamin would assure the team could get a return value from him even if he does not work out in the Chargers offensive scheme. The team needs to think outside the box here.

The 26-year-old speedy receiver is not a big man, but having his speed to stretch the defense would only benefit Allen and Antonio Gates (if he is re-signed) who make their living over the middle of the field. Safeties would have to play a little deeper to respect Benjamin.

Contract talks between Benjamin and the Browns have broken down so the Chargers have a chance to land a pretty decent return man. The also get a chance at a young receiver who may have just figured out how to get open. The numbers Benjamin put up last season were with the Browns, imagine what he could do with Philip Rivers throwing him that rock? He will be costly, but the Bolts have plenty of money to spend. Let’s see where they choose to spend that dough.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.