Wide receiver Travis Benjamin became the first member of the 49ers to opt out of the 2020 NFL season.
Benjamin, 30, announced his decision in a twee on Tuesday night. His announcement came about 48 hours before the NFL’s Thursday deadline for players to opt out for the 2020 campaign. There doesn’t need to be an excuse for players who choose to sit out a season that’ll be adjusted for COVID-19.
“First, I would like to thank the 49ers organization for their continued support,” Benjamin wrote in a Twitter post. “After much consideration and discussion with my family I have decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season as I feel this is the best decision for my family. I will continue to support my teammates and many friends around the league this season. As we continue to navigate this pandemic I wish that everyone stays safe.”
🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/11RS0yCD7D
— Travis Benjamin (@TravisBenjamin3) August 5, 2020
San Francisco became the 15th team to have a member take the opt-out.
Benjamin signed as a free agent this offseason on a one-year deal. He spent the last three seasons with the Chargers and played just 17 games across the last two seasons. He wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot, but he would’ve certainly been in contention for one in a 49ers receiving corps that lacks experience and speed.
Benjamin was a fourth-round pick of the Browns in 2012 and played there in 2014 when Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator. He has 208 catches for 3,143 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career.