Browns, Benjamin close to long-term deal, agent says

One of the Cleveland Browns' offseason priorities is to lock up wide receiver Travis Benjamin to a long-term contract and it appears they are closing in on doing just that.

Benjamin's agent, Ronald Butler, indicated that talks between the two parties are progressing and that he expects a deal to be agreed upon soon.

"I'm optimistic that something will get done in the near future,'' Butler said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "We've been in contact with the organization here in the last couple of weeks and we're still trying to figure out how we can get this thing done where both sides agree to a fair offer. But Cleveland has made strides in terms of getting him back in a Browns uniform."

With a weak wide receiver free-agent market, Benjamin is set to be rewarded with a significant contract because of his breakout season in 2015, whether that ends up being with Cleveland or elsewhere.

Benjamin has said previously that it's his desire to stay with the Browns, but hasn't ruled out exploring the free-agent market if Cleveland opts not to give him the kind of contract he is looking for.

"Travis knows what his value is,'' Butler said. "It's just a matter of coming up with something both sides are comfortable with.''

Benjamin finished the season with 68 catches for 966 yards and five scores, which were all career-highs for the 26-year-old.

New head coach Hue Jackson is set to install his offense in Cleveland, one that has a history of producing outstanding seasons from its receivers, especially for those who possess the type of game-breaking speed that Benjamin owns.

"Oh yeah, Hue loves Travis,'' said Butler. "We actually spoke about it, Hue and I. He's a great guy. He's great at what he does as far as coaching and offensively what he brings to the table and I think he's excited about the possibility of having Travis come back there and jump into that offense and help them win ballgames.''