Redskins: 1 free agent to avoid at every position in 2019 offseason
Wide Receiver: Kelvin Benjamin, Kansas City Chiefs
The Redskins do need to add some talent at receiver. However, it may be hard for them to find too many enticing candidates on the free agent market. There are a lot of quality role players, but the most interesting of the group is Golden Tate. He’s the only one that could really serve as a potential top option, so if the ‘Skins look to invest here, they are going to have to get creative.
While the team could add some depth, role players, and potential reclamation projects on the free agent market, Kelvin Benjamin shouldn’t be one of them. Benjamin was once considered a promising, young receiver but now, he may not have a spot in the NFL.
Back in 2014, Benjamin was a first-round pick of the Panthers and he put forth a 1,000-yard season and scored eight times. His big-bodied frame made him a perfect jump-ball candidate for Cam Newton, and it seemed that he had upside as a top-caliber possession receiver.
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However, Benjamin has struggled with conditioning during his career, and he has regressed in each season since his rookie year. Last year, he hit rock bottom, as he was cut by the Bills after struggling to emerge in a poor receiving corps and demonstrating a lethargic attitude. The Bills had traded a third-round pick for him, so they were obviously disappointed in their investment. Benjamin was then signed by the Chiefs. He had only two catches in Kansas City.
Benjamin’s time is running out to make an impact. He just turned 28 and if he can’t get his conditioning under control and show a solid work ethic, he won’t make it in the NFL. The Redskins have little reason to expect that his attitude would change with a move to Washington, so they should avoid signing him. While he could be a red zone threat, they can find a much better option in the middle rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. Benjamin isn’t worth the headache.
I also considered Demaryius Thomas for this distinction, as he tore his Achilles late in the season and may not be ready for the start of 2019. However, I doubt the Redskins would consider his services anyway because of that timeline. Thomas is best served to sign as a depth option on a legitimate contender, as he could help down the stretch and in the playoffs.