CINCINNATI (AP) -Free-agent running back Cedric Benson decided on Tuesday to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals, who gave him the chance to resurrect his career last season.
Benson accepted a two-year deal from the Bengals, who liked what he did late last season and wanted him to stay as their top running back.
Signing Benson became a big priority for the league’s lowest-rated offense after right tackle Stacy Andrews and top receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh turned down offers to stay. Andrews signed with the Eagles, and Houshmandzadeh chose to play for the Seahawks. Cincinnati also lost backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to Buffalo.
Benson visited the Houston Texans on Monday, but chose to stay with the Bengals in part because they offered him a chance to start. The Texans were looking for someone to back up Steve Slaton, who ran for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
-1 last season. The 26-year-old running back will be the centerpiece of an offense that’s being overhauled to concentrate more on the running game.
Benson was Chicago’s first-round pick and the fourth overall in the 2005 draft, but didn’t pan out and was released following two arrests in Texas involving alcohol. The cases were dropped in September when grand juries decided not to indict Benson, who was out of football.
With their group of running backs thinned by injury, the Bengals signed him to a one-year deal on Sept. 30. He quickly moved ahead of Chris Perry for the starting role, and rushed for more than 100 yards in three of the last four games.
“Cedric was recognized as an elite talent coming out of college,” coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday. “His years in Chicago weren’t what he hoped for, but he was able to give us a lift on the field and be a great presence in the locker room. He earned everyone’s respect, and we’re excited to let him continue to grow in our system.”
Benson finished the season with 747 yards on 214 carries. He also caught 20 passes for 185 yards. He had the team’s longest run (46 yards) and longest reception (79 yards).
With Benson’s signing, the Bengals will be looking to add another receiver to replace Houshmandzadeh. They also need to overhaul an offensive line that crumbled last season.
last season with a partially torn ligament and tendon in his passing elbow. Palmer sat out the last 11 games, allowing the elbow to heal without surgery.
So far, Palmer is doing fine and is expected to be back to full strength for next season.
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