Travis Benjamin at Super Bowl

Browns receiver Travis Benjamin made the rounds on radio row at the Super Bowl.

(Mary Kay Cabot/cleveland.com)

SAN FRANCISCO, Ca. -- The Browns are close to keeping speedster Travis Benjamin from getting away.

His agent, Ronald Butler, told cleveland.com on radio row at the Super that the two sides have made good progress on a long-term contract for the fifth-year wideout, who's set to become a free agent March 9.

"I'm optimistic that something will get something done in the near future,'' Butler. "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.''

Benjamin, who finished second to Gary Barnidge on the team with career-highs in receptions (68), yards (966) and TD catches (5), re-iterated that he wants to be back in Cleveland, "but if the ball rolls, I get to choose where I want to go.''

Of the Browns' bigger name free agents, the Browns appear to be closer to agreeing to terms with Benjamin than anyone else. The others include safety Tashaun Gipson and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, who both stand to hit the jackpot if they hit the open market March. 9.

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

Apparently, coach Hue Jackson understands Benjamin's value too, not just as a receiver but as a punt returner. He finished third in the NFL with a 11.6 punt return average and third on the AFC with 324 punt return yards.

"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. ''

Benjamin, who made the rounds on radio row here Wednesday with interviews on NFL Network, Sirius XM NFL radio and others, said he's already talked to his new head coach several times.

"I actually was still town so I stopped by and he called one time and we had a conversation,'' said Benjamin. "The role that he wants me to fit into the offense, it sounds pretty good you know Hue loves speed, so hopefully that will be a good thing.''

Benjamin said he's excited about what Jackson brings to the table in terms of an explosive offense and creative playcalling.

"I love it,'' he said. "Being a receiver and knowing the type of offense we're going to run, where he always finds way to get guys open, it will be great for us,'' he said.

Benjamin dared to imagine what the offense might be like next season if he re-signs and his good friend Josh Gordon is re-instated.

"It would be very explosive,'' he said. "You can't roll the coverage to one single guy with Josh, Gary, Duke Johnson or Isaiah Crowell. It would be really exciting.''

Benjamin, joined by his wife Africa, a Cleveland radio personality, was whisked around radio row like an A-list celebrity.

Now, he's hopes to be paid like one.