NFL Rumors: Oakland Raiders Showing Interest in Cedric Benson
After losing free agent running back Michael Bush to the Chicago Bears this offseason, the Oakland Raiders need to find someone who can backup the oft injured Darren McFadden. According to sources, the Raiders have turned their attention to Cedric Benson, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Benson became a free agent this offseason and the Bengals showed no interest in signing the former No. 4 overall pick, despite having three straight 1,000 yard seasons. Benson will turn 30 in December, the typical over-the-hill point in a running back’s career, but he should be able to contribute for at least two more seasons, especially in a backup role.
This has to be what the Raiders are thinking. Losing Bush hurts as he was able to weather the storm whenever McFadden went out with injury, which happens quite often. Signing a back who has had three straight 1,000 yard seasons would likely cost more than the average backup, but the Raiders need to look past the money it would cost and remind themselves that McFadden will probably miss some games this season.
Benson was the fourth pick in the 2005 NFL draft, but never materialized into anything for the Bears. He revitalized his career in Cincinnati, much to the chagrin of Bears fans, and is now looking for a place to end his career.
Jeff is an NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. He contributes mainly to the New York Giants and NFL Rumors pages. He also will occasionally touch on the NBA and humorous videos involving all sports.
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