Despite a seemingly obvious need at the wide receiver position, the Cleveland Browns did not use any of their six draft picks on a receiver during last weekend’s NFL Draft.
With star receiver Josh Gordon facing a possible year-long suspension for another violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy and Nate Burleson suffering a broken arm in offseason workouts, the Browns are woefully short on proven pass catchers on their roster.
While the team did add four receivers via undrafted free agency, the Browns have finally added another veteran option to their receiving corps.
According to Jake Jones of KFBB-TV in Helena, Mont., the Browns will sign former Chicago Bears receiver Earl Bennett.
Bennett was released by the Bears in March after playing his first six seasons with the franchise.
Bennett 185 passes for 2,277 yards and 12 touchdowns in his six years in the Windy City, Bennett’s most productive performance came in his second year with the team in 2009 when he caught 54 passes for 717 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, Bennett caught 32 passes for 243 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
General manager Ray Farmer said there was “plenty of opportunities” for the team to potentially add a receiver after the draft. The Browns apparently feel Bennett was the best option available.