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As ESPN.com first reported, the Chargers apparently have secured another playmaker for Philip Rivers. Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin is expected to sign with the Chargers once the free agency window opens this afternoon, a league source told ESPN's Adam Caplan. NFL Network's Rand Getlin is reporting the same.

From a fantasy football perspective, Benjamin fills a void in San Diego's offense for a deep threat created by the retirement of Malcom Floyd. Benjamin also adds a playmaker to the Chargers' return game. San Diego averaged a league-low 4.2 yards a punt return in 2015.

In fact, the Chargers finished last in the NFL in 2015 with 84 total punt return yards, the lowest total by any NFL team since 1981.

Benjamin, 26, totaled a career-high 68 receptions and 966 yards in 2015, which ranked second on the Browns. Benjamin also had five receiving touchdowns.

Before 2015, Benjamin was mostly used as a situational receiver. However, he earned a starting job in training camp prior to last season and never gave it up, starting 15 games and setting aside the concern that he was too frail at 175 pounds to play every down.

His speed is his forte, as he also excels as a punt returner. His average of 12.6 yards per return ranks first in the NFL since he entered the league in 2012. He is one of seven players with three punt returns for a touchdown in that time, and he holds the Browns' record for punt-return yardage in a game (179 in 2013) and longest punt return (93 yards in 2012).

Expect Rivers, who threw the ball 662 times last season (and who has at least 527 attempts every season since 2010), and returning offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt to maximize Benjamin's play-making ability. Working in receiving corps led by Keenan Allen will also work in Benjamin's favor...

Also of interest. ... Antonio Gates and the Chargers have agreed to terms on a new contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 35-year-old Gates has spent his entire 13-year career with the Chargers, and now he'll remain in San Diego, as expected.

As Profootballtalk.com suggested, although he's not quite the player he once was, he's still an important part of the Chargers' offense. Last year Gates caught 56 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games.

Fellow tight end Ladarius Green is set to become a free agent today, and the signing of Gates may indicate that the Chargers are expecting some other team to sign Green, who appears to be heading to Pittsburgh for a visit, away.