Earlier today, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler spoke about what the departure of veteran WR Earl Bennett means:
Jay Cutler on Earl Bennett leaving: "It was tough…you hate to see a guy like that go that means that much to the team."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) June 17, 2014
Well, Cutler and the Bears will have a chance to get Bennett back, as just a few hours later, the Cleveland Browns terminated his contract a little over one month after signing him to a one-year deal. It's not too surprising of news; with the Josh Gordon news pending, the Browns signed four veteran receivers this offseason -- Nate Burleson, Miles Austin, Anthony Armstrong, and Bennett.
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Burleson and Austin have pretty much been able to sit by and relax as they recover from injuries. Armstrong and Bennett were the guys walking the fine line of staying on the roster. Unfortunately for Bennett, Armstrong just happened to be the "star of OTAs and minicamp," which surely played a part in the decision to keep him over Bennett.
I see the Browns cut Earl Bennett; I didn't see him do much in OTAs. Think it's more about what Anthony Armstrong did than anything/one else
— Zac Jackson (@FSOhioZJackson) June 17, 2014
The roster move puts the Browns back down to 89 players, so expect them to sign somebody or claim a player off waivers soon. Bennett had $75,000 in guaranteed money on his contract, so he's walking away from a month's worth of action with a pretty nice bonus.