"First, I would like to thank the 49ers organization for their continued support," Benjamin said in a statement posted to social media. "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."
The Cleveland Browns made Benjamin a fourth-round selection out of Miami (FL) in 2012. He registered six receptions for 30 yards through five games and two starts with the Chargers in 2019. The receiver saw his season end due to a quad injury and landed on injured reserve on October 17, 2019.
The 49ers signed Benjamin in March to a one-year deal. He spent one season (2014) working with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was the offensive coordinator in Cleveland at the time.
While Benjamin may have just notified the 49ers of his decision, he stated that the decision came after much discussion with his family. General manager John Lynch said on Monday that no players had expressed a desire to exercise the option to opt-out.
"I have not had a conversation (about opting out) with any of our players," general manager John Lynch told reporters on Monday via a video press conference. "We've talked a lot. We always feel like communication with our players is the best opportunity for success in every situation. But none of our players have intimated that that is an option that they're going to be exercising, I guess."
Shanahan made it clear that both players and staff were free to do what they felt was best for their health and the health of their families.
"You want everyone to know that there's no right or wrong answers," Shanahan said. "It's what you're comfortable with."
Benjamin has caught 208 passes for 3,143 yards with 19 touchdowns through his eight NFL seasons. His best statistical season came in 2015 with the Browns when he hauled in 68 passes for 966 yards and five touchdowns.
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