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Wide receiver Armon Binns has bounced around over the last two seasons, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2011 before landing with the Cincinnati Bengals in September of that year. He had 18 receptions for 210 yards with one touchdown in seven games for the Bengals last season, but was then waived in December and claimed by the Miami Dolphins.
Binns impressed the Dolphins’ coaching staff enough upon his arrival to be active for the final two games of last season, and he totaled six catches for 67 yards in those contests. Miami of course added to their wide receiver group by signing Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson in free agency, but those moves had minimal effect on Binns’ chances to make their roster this year.
Binns has gotten a lot of praise for his good work during the offseason, for what that’s worth, and he could force the Dolphins to make room for him in their wide receiver rotation. Wallace, Brian Hartline and Gibson are the top three options right now, but recent speculation from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel suggests that Binns could push Gibson to be the Dolphins’ primary slot receiver.
If Binns continues to perform well, the Dolphins may be faced with a tough decision. Gibson is being paid at a level that assures him a roster spot (three-years, $10 million; $3.75 million guaranteed), but his resume is not great with two 50-plus catch campaigns and nine career touchdowns in four NFL seasons. The coaching staff may not give any credence to a player’s salary, but it’s possible front office pressure will relegate Binns to being Miami’s No. 4 wide receiver even if he clearly outperforms Gibson during training camp and the preseason.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
