“I Didn’t Want To Be There”
March 22nd, 2013
Weeks ago Derrick Brooks talked about how Greg Schiano would pluck the “weeds in the roses” this offseason, and it seems Arrelious Benn was among the crabgrass.
Benn, recently traded to the Eagles where he got a contract extension yesterday, told PhillyMag.com that he wanted out of the New Schiano Order.
Although he doesn’t have the hands of Jason Avant, Benn, who is a good blocker, thinks he can be effective in the slot.
“I think I have the skill set to play both [inside and outside],” he said. “I think I’m a mismatch in the slot with my speed and size. We’re going to see where I fit in, and I’m going to go with it.”
Asked if he was expecting to be moved, Benn said, “I was expecting it. I’m not going to lie, I was expecting it. I wanted to move forward. I didn’t want to be there.
“I just needed a change of scenery. I just needed a fresh start. The situation just wasn’t going right. That’s all I’m going to say about it.”
Benn’s a good guy, but perhaps he wasn’t cut out for the mental toughness needed to thrive under Greg Schiano? In contrast, Roy Miller and Michael Bennett were eager to stay in Tampa.
The Bucs gave up on Benn, and Benn gave up on the Bucs. Joe’s wondering which came first.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:10 am
Another 2nd round waste for Dominik.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:13 am
Joe
If Bennet was that eager to stay, why didn’t he give the Buc’s a chance to counter offer the Seahawks?
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:18 am
Wow, I didn’t expect to hear that from Benn. I thought the trade was purely based off his production, good riddance to him then. Tiquan has more value than Benn anyways, as long as he doesn’t drop the ball, he works wonders over the middle.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:22 am
Bennett may have soured late, but the guy was aching to sign a new deal to return before free agency started and days into it.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:24 am
Rock Star, huh?
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:26 am
Jrock
I agree!
Missing 11 games in 3 years will do that too, but coupled with that kind of attitude, it sure makes it more than easy to trade him.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:28 am
So he wanted to stay if we overpaid for him? Ah, it all makes sense now.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:30 am
This is just about Schiano getting his players, Benn has talent and probably would’ve excelled if utilized better, especially in the slot. Though he didn’t do much with skins, Dez Briscoe was productive and he was let go for nothing. They didn’t want to make the same mistake with Benn. I think we will see production from many of the Bucs defectors when in the right system. Schiano is the coach and he should get his players to win with or lose
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:32 am
Oh, Tiquan is a Schiano guy, probably couldn’t get playing time on 80% of other nfl teams
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:32 am
I had all the hope in the world for Benn, and never dreamed it would turn out like this. I cleaned a roof for a man up in Pasco who coached Benn in High School. This ex coach was sure Benn would be a start in the NFL.
Maybe he will, just not in Tampa.
I wish him well.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:38 am
why would he want to stay? With VJax the clear #1 and Mike Will the clear #2 he was at best the 3rd WR and not very good in the slot so why not go somewhere and get a shot at being a starter. I wish Benn good luck and hope he can stay healthy.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:41 am
Maybe the knee isn’t quite right. Otherwise, he didn’t do anything to lock down a starting job. From day one, Mike Williams was a better receiver, taken 2 rounds later in the draft.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:42 am
Wait wait wait a second here, you’re telling me you clean roofs for a living? Get outta here
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:43 am
How could Benn want a fresh start when he never really got started? I think he was intimidated by the fact he got outplayed by a 4th round draft pick and was relegated to backup duty. Mentally weak imo.
March 22nd, 2013 at 10:55 am
I honestly don’t think Benn has the smarts for the offense. Maybe Chip Kelly’s “you go here” offense (vs our “this is your route but read the defense and adjust” offense) is better suited for him.
Best of luck.
March 22nd, 2013 at 11:06 am
Wasn’t really the same after he ripped up his knee.
Wish him the best though.
March 22nd, 2013 at 11:20 am
Benn never did anything here to earn a starting job. Always hurt and when he did get a chance he dropped passes. Not a good combo. Wish him well in Philly.
March 22nd, 2013 at 11:20 am
@bucfanjeff
I felt the same way too. Even after training camp he was still struggling to learn the playbook his rookie year.
March 22nd, 2013 at 11:26 am
Bye bye china doll. Think you hit it on the head with “mental toughnes” wasn’t one of his more predominant qualities, like staying healthy.
March 22nd, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Benn is a sour puss with speed but couldn’t get separation due 2 poor route running and when he did get separation he had brick hands and couldn’t haul it in. He had his chances and simply didn’t flourish. Nice knowing ya Has Benn
March 22nd, 2013 at 1:13 pm
not a big loss at all.
March 22nd, 2013 at 1:48 pm
He was turning out to be another Michael Clayton. Thank goodness we got something out of him. He became a sour puss his rookie year when Mike Williams exploded onto the seen after being selected in the 4th round. He dropped a lot of passes and didn’t run very good routes, o well, such is life, he is still getting paid a king’s ransom for a kid’s game.
But don’t forget Williams was actually a low 1st high 2nd talent but his stock dropped after he left or dismissed for what ever reason. He was about to be drafted by the Stealers, Tomlin was upset the Bucs picked him up.
March 22nd, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Benn isn’t a black mark on Dom – he was Raheem’s choice.
Also, if my team just broke the bank for a top tier player at my position and was working on a contract extension for the other starter ahead of me I would probably like to start fresh somewhere else, too.
March 22nd, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Wasn’t Doug Williams doing talent evaluations back then?
He wanted out because he was too undisciplined to become a starter here. (Benn)
March 22nd, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Benn acted like he didn’t want to be there.
March 22nd, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Schiano wouldnt’ve picked Benn, just like he willn’t pick up Mathieu, not in the 2nd round at least.
March 23rd, 2013 at 2:03 am
Benn is a baby. Bye bye Reejus, enjoy youjr time in Philli.
Thanks for being an underwhelming Top 40 draft selection, in the “deepest draft ever”…
Dominick, another mistake buddy.