JACKSONVILLE – Arrelious Benn is returning to the Jaguars.
Benn, a wide receiver who played special teams and reserve roles this past season, on Wednesday signed a contract with the Jaguars that will keep him from becoming a free agent next month.
"It's overwhelming, but at the same time I'm blessed and I'm very thankful," Benn said.
Benn (6-feet-2, 228 pounds), originally a second-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft, joined the Jaguars as a free agent in January 2015. He spent that season on injured reserve, but returned to play in 15 games this past season.
"Arrelious is a player that exemplifies perseverance and brings his best effort to the building every single day," Jaguars General Manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement. "Arrelious has battled injuries during his career, but has never let is affect his work ethic or his passion for the game of football and that is something that is admired by everyone in the Jaguars organization.
"Arrelious takes pride in his ability as a wide receiver, and also his play on special teams and we're excited to have him back in Jacksonville for the 2017 season."
Benn's 2015 season marked a return to the field after an unusually extended layoff. After being traded by the Buccaneers to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2013, he missed that season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He also missed the 2014 season after sustaining a preseason back injury with Philadelphia.
When he spent 2015 on injured reserve with a collarbone injury, it meant he had spent three consecutive seasons not playing a regular-season game.
"It definitely helped me as a person, and made me learn who I am and the way to go about things," Benn said.
Benn, who has played in 52 career NFL games with 25 starts, caught a 51-yard, game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Blake Bortles with 2:58 remaining in the Jaguars' Week 6 victory over Chicago this past season. He has 64 career receptions for 978 yards and six touchdowns.
"It's about understanding obstacles in life that you overcome and no matter what, you keep going," Benn said. "You put your mind to it and focus on getting it done.
