49ers depth chart: Can Travis Benjamin carve out a role in 2021?

The 49ers depth chart has a notable shortage at wide receiver. But last year’s opt-out, Travis Benjamin, could help matters a bit in 2021.

Last season, San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Travis Benjamin elected to opt out of the 2020 season after signing a one-year deal with the Niners.

The 31-year-old speedster defended his actions in a conversation with Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, saying, “I’ve been at peace with it. But there were times on certain Sundays where I’d see somebody make a play and I’d be kind of antsy about it. In the back of your mind, ‘Oh, that could have been me.'”

Benjamin might have faced something of an uphill battle to make the Niners’ 53-man regular-season roster, though. At least out of training camp despite San Francisco clearing a way for the veteran by moving wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to the Philadelphia Eagles during that year’s NFL Draft.

Entering 2021, though, it’s possible Benjamin’s chances increase due to the relative lack of depth the 49ers have at the position.

When Benjamin elected to opt out, his 2020 contract essentially got pushed back one year, so he’ll still be under terms with San Francisco in 2021. Unlike last season, though, the 49ers are looking at some notable question marks behind their starting tandem of wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Receivers Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor are unrestricted free agents, and the remaining depth is comprised of role players like Richie James, River Cracraft and Jauan Jennings, the latter having spent the entirety of his rookie year on the practice squad.

“Everyone loves speed,” Benjamin added. “So as long as you can still run and compete with your speed, you’ll have an opportunity to play.”

Travis Benjamin has an element other 49ers receivers lack

While speed is certainly a part of Benjamin’s game (he ran a 4.36 40-yard time back in 2012), the colder reality is he isn’t quite that kind of player at this stage of his career. In 2019 with the LA Chargers, Benjamin appeared in only five games because of injury and was limited to just six receptions for 30 yards.

The previous year, Benjamin had only 186 receiving yards over 12 games.

All that said, however, Benjamin’s veteran poise and experience is something the bulk of the Niners’ remaining receiving corps lacks. James, a three-year pro, could essentially become the elder statesman of San Francisco’s wide receiver room by default, particularly if Bourne departs. And while the 49ers have talent elsewhere with Aiyuk and Samuel, they could stand for some additional veteran poise from a player like Benjamin.

That element, combined with a thinned-out depth chart between now and training camp could mean Benjamin sees an increased role in 2021. He might not be asked to serve as a regular receiving threat, assuming he makes the roster.

But having someone who can give guidance to the younger members of the Niners offense has its merits. Right now, it would appear as if Benjamin could be the best candidate to do so.