[CHRONIC] Texans bringing in running back Cedric Benson

[nWo34Life]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6288717.html

Get him on the cheap....

Did ok last year behind that Bungles OL (797 yards in 2008).

[DonnyMost]

I'd love this pickup. He is a perfect compliment to Speed Slaton.

[rezdawg]

I'd be very happy with him...didnt do too bad with that crappy line of the Bengals last year, so I'd definitely welcome him here and see how he fairs as a backup.

[Wakko67]

He could be a nice compliment, but there is risk.

I do like high character guys on the team and he doesn't fit the mold. He did do well with Cincy though.

I wonder if he would do a short contract? Probably not though. It may be better to just go through the draft.

[Major Malcontent]

Hey if it will spell Slaton and appease the Longhorn fans I am all for it.

[DonnyMost]

It all depends on price.

Benson is considered pretty radioactive due to his character/personal issues as well as terrible performance until last year.

If he can be a 3rd down guy for us at a reasonable price I say pull the trigger.

I bet he would shine in that limited role.

[gucci888]

Cedric would be a very nice compliment to Slaton. We also wouldn't have to spend a draft pick on a backup.

[rezdawg]

I think regardless of whether or not we sign him, we will spend either a 4th or 5th on a RB in the draft.

[DonnyMost]

I bet this signing would get under Jerry Jones' skin too... so that's a plus! :D

[gucci888]

I think regardless of whether or not we sign him, we will spend either a 4th or 5th on a RB in the draft.

Ya...but I definitely think Cedric would make a backup RB less of a priority going into the draft.

[JamesC]

A bright side for him is that he could be reunited with Eric Winston from Midland Lee.

[Mac#5]

A bright side for him is that he could be reunited with Eric Winston from Midland Lee.

did they play together in highschool???

[Ron from the G]

We need a banger on the goal line and he would do just fine. He averaged over 100 yards per game in his last 3 games last year. We just need him for spot duty and goal line situations. Would be a smart pick up if it doesn't break the bank. I love how the new management thinks... Fill all our needs that we can in free agency so that we can draft the best available rather then for needs.

[Shroopy2]

A bright side for him is that he could be reunited with Eric Winston from Midland Lee.
Ha, what I was gonna post. Winston was a tight end in high school but same thing he blocked for Benson.

It does make sense. Benson's 2 years younger than Derrick Ward

[EddieWasSnubbed]

Sign him up. It's worth the risk.

Would be a good pick up.

[Brando2101]

He doesn't have character issues. He got arrested twice for DWIs.


He's not beating his wife, not shooting anyone, he doesn't bring guns to night clubs or have unlicensed assault rifles.


He drank to much and drove. That's not a good thing. He could have hurt someone BUT he isn't a bad dude. Just needs to call taxis.

[gucci888]

He doesn't have character issues. He got arrested twice for DWIs.

He's not beating his wife, not shooting anyone, he doesn't bring guns to night clubs or have unlicensed assault rifles.

He drank to much and drove. That's not a good thing. He could have hurt someone BUT he isn't a bad dude. Just needs to call taxis.

I agree that he doesn't have that bad of issues as some make him out to have, but don't forget he also held out part of his rookie season (agent should also take blame) and had that sideline incident as well. He also some behavior problems while at UT.

But he had a productive season with the Bengals and managed to stay out of trouble, if he can do the same for us, he'll be a very nice pickup.

[baller4life315]

Cincinnati isn't bringing him back? Do they plan on drafting or signing somebody different? This seems somewhat peculiar considering Benson at least appeared to be a pleasant surprise on an otherwise dreadful season.

[Ryan Bowen MVP]

Stay away from UT alumni!

[AggieDentist]

He doesn't have character issues. He got arrested twice for DWIs.


He's not beating his wife, not shooting anyone, he doesn't bring guns to night clubs or have unlicensed assault rifles.


He drank to much and drove. That's not a good thing. He could have hurt someone BUT he isn't a bad dude. Just needs to call taxis.

i thought one of them was for drunken fighting on a boat? if not, who am i thinking of?

[MadMax]

Stay away from UT alumni!

what you talkin' 'bout, Willis?

http://magazine13.com/img/sport/top_10_running_backs_ever/earl-campbell.jpg

[Major]

He doesn't have character issues. He got arrested twice for DWIs.


He also broke into someone's house at UT to steal his own flat-panel TV back and supposedly had a lot of work-ethic issues while at Chicago (which is why they got tired of him in the first place). But he did seem to rehab himself in Cinci (of all places!) a little bit. He's not a starting-quality RB, but he could certainly do goal-line / backup work.

[KingCheetah]

Long-term posters at Clutchfans who insist upon using [CHRONIC] in their thread titles (all caps no less) should be demoted to rookies.

[Summer Song Giver]

I'm on board as long as the contract is decent and Benson is cool with the role we need him for, he could be a very valuable part of a RB tandem.

He really seemed to be a better runner while in Cincy than he ever showed while at Chicago.

[DieHard Rocket]

I'd take him. He's an interesting story though, seems that a lot of teams shied away from him after Chicago let him go. If he had gone to Cincinatti and stunk it up, his career might be over right now. But he definitely gave himself new life.

I like what we're doing so far in free agency. Just like last year, we are filling holes without breaking the bank, and setting up so that we aren't forced to take any certain position in the draft. We can maneuver as we please and take the guys we really WANT, not just the guys we NEED.

[Brando2101]

i thought one of them was for drunken fighting on a boat? if not, who am i thinking of?


He was cited for resisting arrest and got maced. His friends said it was BS but I guess they would say that to help him out.

I just don't think he has the same issues as the standard "character" guys in the NFL.



Where is the link to the story saying he broke into someones house while at UT?

[gucci888]

He was cited for resisting arrest and got maced. His friends said it was BS but I guess they would say that to help him out.

I just don't think he has the same issues as the standard "character" guys in the NFL.

Where is the link to the story saying he broke into someones house while at UT?

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2008/06/07/chicago_bears_running_back_ced.html

Read towards the bottom.

[updawg]

He was cited for resisting arrest and got maced. His friends said it was BS but I guess they would say that to help him out.

I just don't think he has the same issues as the standard "character" guys in the NFL.



Where is the link to the story saying he broke into someones house while at UT?
he broke into somwones apartment looking for his tv - spent a day in county jail for it.

the boating dui sounded like b.s. the one a month later was just stupid on his part.

he's made some stupid decisions for sure, but isn't a bad character guy

bring him in although I have my doubts on much he can contribute, he just looks so damn slow

[nWo34Life]

Long-term posters at Clutchfans who insist upon using [CHRONIC] in their thread titles (all caps no less) should be demoted to rookies.

You're funny.

[Legend Killer]

No way to Ced Benson. This dude is going to be a cancer in the locker room and will be complaining all season about not getting enough carries. He will be a very bad influence on Slaton.

[dntrwl]

Long-term posters at Clutchfans who insist upon using [CHRONIC] in their thread titles (all caps no less) should be demoted to rookies.
I kinda agree, it gets old, we don't care which douchebag has their signature posting style, it doesn't kill them to add "LE" to the end.

[AggieDentist]

I kinda agree, it gets old, we don't care which douchebag has their signature posting style, it doesn't kill them to add "LE" to the end.

i disagree with both you and KingCheetah. i've written [CHRON] as well as [CHRONIC] a number of times, and the only reason why was to keep things fresh. no douchebag intentions whatsoever. but everyone's entitled to their own opinions, and thus i respect yours.

[gucci888]

No way to Ced Benson. This dude is going to be a cancer in the locker room and will be complaining all season about not getting enough carries. He will be a very bad influence on Slaton.

If Benson decides to sign with us, he knows he isn't going to be the feature back. There is no doubt that Slaton is our RB. With that said, Ced will get his share in certain situations and will likely be in on goal line sets.

Also, while he's certainly had his share of troubles in the past, I think he knows he's been given a 2nd chance and will do what it takes to make it work. He managed to have a very decent season with the Bengals and if he can give that type of production with us, he'll be a nice addition.

[Shroopy2]

Long-term posters at Clutchfans who insist upon using [CHRONIC] in their thread titles (all caps no less) should be demoted to rookies.
This is similar to what I think when I hear or see
"Crackberry"

[nWo34Life]

[CHRONIC] Ex-Longhorn Benson says he'd like to play for Texans (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6289379.html)

Running back Cedric Benson arrived in Houston from Austin today to meet with the Texans, who are looking for a player to back up Steve Slaton.

After filling two needs by signing left defensive end Antonio Smith and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky, the Texans are looking for a back who complements Slaton, who rushed for 1,282 yards as a rookie and compiled 1,659 yards from scrimmage to go with 10 touchdowns.

“I like being in Texas and Houston’s close to home,” Benson said after arriving at Hobby Airport. “I think the possibility is good (about signing with the Texans), but there’s always a business side to everything.”

Benson, 26, is a Midland native who played at the University of Texas before Chicago selected him with the fourth overall pick in 2005. Released after three years with the Bears, Benson signed with Cincinnati last season and rushed for 747 yards in 10 starts.

Benson was asked why he would accept a backup role with the Texans rather than a starting job with the Bengals.

“The business side here might be better than the business side in Cincinnati,” Benson said about contract negotiations.

“Also, there’s the Super Bowl. I had an opportunity to go to one (with Chicago), and I’d like to go back and win.”

Last year, the Texans weren’t interested in Benson when he was waived by the Bears. They became interested after watching him play for the Bengals and stay out of trouble off the field.

Benson’s legal issues have been cleared up.

“I have matured a little more,” he said. “A young man changes after he turns 21.”

The Bengals are trying to re-sign Benson, who had three 100-yard games for them. He closed the season with 171 and 111 yards in victories over Cleveland and Kansas City. The Bengals finished with a three-game winning streak in which Benson averaged 118.3 yards rushing.

“I think I proved that I’m the player everybody thought I could be,” Benson said. “I think it showed that I can get the job done, being a full-time back and carry the load.”

“Chicago fans asked me what was the difference? I told them it was simple: They gave me the football.”

[CrazyJoeDavola]

Long-term posters at Clutchfans who insist upon using [CHRONIC] in their thread titles (all caps no less) should be demoted to rookies.

Agreed.

[DonnyMost]

Cedric's good performances last year came against some terrible teams in garbage time (i.e. nobody was playing for anything)... so I hope the Texans don't give this guy a contract like he's some kind of proven commodity.

If anything, his half-season of performance is outweighed severely by 3 years of garbage.

[The Cat]

Benson was asked why he would accept a backup role with the Texans rather than a starting job with the Bengals.

“The business side here might be better than the business side in Cincinnati,” Benson said about contract negotiations."

“Also, there’s the Super Bowl. I had an opportunity to go to one (with Chicago), and I’d like to go back and win.”

I never thought I'd see the day when players would cite the opportunity to win a Super Bowl as reasoning to sign with the Texans. That's really great (and bizarre) to hear. :)

[The Cat]

Cedric's good performances last year came against some terrible teams in garbage time (i.e. nobody was playing for anything)... so I hope the Texans don't give this guy a contract like he's some kind of proven commodity.

If anything, his half-season of performance is outweighed severely by 3 years of garbage.

Eh, his first two years weren't as bad as a lot of people make them out to be. There are still people who contend Reggie Bush is a good RB, and Bush would kill for the 4.1 YPC Benson rushed for in his first two years. :D

In all seriousness, he does run with power, and those first two years of 4.1 YPC along with 6 TD in the second season aren't as terrible as a lot of people seem to believe. They're disappointing for a #4 overall pick, certainly, but to me they indicate that he can be a quality complementary back. His YPC for most of last year with Cincinnati is skewed by the complete abomination of an offensive line they had.

[Roxfan73]

If they sign Benson, it is only a precursor to bringing in VY to run the Wildcat. They want to surround Vince with the right kind of players.

[mateo]

I think he's using the Texans to try to scare the Bungles into giving me more money. I'd be happy if I was wrong, I think he'd make a nice change of pace back alongside Slaton.

After watching all the teams with RBBC, I'm starting to prefer it. Yeah it sorta screws up FFL but it makes for more RBs making it longer into the season without major injuries.

[Wakko67]

I think he's using the Texans to try to scare the Bungles into giving me more money. I'd be happy if I was wrong, I think he'd make a nice change of pace back alongside Slaton.

After watching all the teams with RBBC, I'm starting to prefer it. Yeah it sorta screws up FFL but it makes for more RBs making it longer into the season without major injuries.

Is that a slip?

So you going to sign with us or what Cedric?

:p

[rikesh316]

Bengals re-signed Cedric Benson to two-year, $7 million contract.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6291686.html

[liamrock]

Let him go to the Bungles....he's nothing special.

[nWo34Life]

Idiot. Go and rot w/ the Bungles. :mad:

[gucci888]

Not suprised. More carries and probably a better offer in Cinci.

[Joe Joe]

Surprised by the offer, but I guess the Bengals see him as a starter.

[pgabriel]

Bengals re-signed Cedric Benson to two-year, $7 million contract.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6291686.html


he wasn't going to get that in Houston, can't blame him for taking the money

[DonnyMost]

I can't blame him.

Honestly though, he had a better chance to get a PHAT payday in 2011 by being awesome for 10 carries a game here versus trying to run for a terrible Cincy offense 20 times a game...

I believe he will regret this, but the Texans won't.

[sTeKcOr22]

The thread title mislead me.

I thought we already signed him, oh well.

[Wooderson]

Can't fault the man for going for the money. I am glad that the Texans didn't pursue him for that price.

I had a lot of questions about Benson, but ultimately I would have been OK with him as a backup to Slaton. Now that he's out of the picture I am wondering who we'll take a look at in the free agent RB market. I don't know if we'll be able to strike gold in the draft like we did last year with Slaton.

[NewRoxFan]

So folks seem settled on the Texans needing and getting a 220 to 230 lb big back to complement Slaton, take 10 carries a day, and be a short yardage specialist. So who is available in the FA market and which college backs fit that description that may be there in the third or fourth round?

[gucci888]

So folks seem settled on the Texans needing and getting a 220 to 230 lb big back to complement Slaton, take 10 carries a day, and be a short yardage specialist. So who is available in the FA market and which college backs fit that description that may be there in the third or fourth round?

There are a couple big backs in this year's draft. Hard to tell where they'll go but here's a few:

Andre Brown
Shonn Greene
Rashad Jennings
James Davis
Cedric Peerman
P.J. Hill
Chris Ogbannaya

[EddieWasSnubbed]

I would LOVE it if we could pick up Rashad Jennings in the 3rd to 4th rounds.

He didn't run as well as people would have thought at the combine, (he ran a 4.64...people thought he'd run in the 4.45's) but he's big (6-1, 231), he's strong (29 reps at the combine), and I think he'd be a perfect fit for this team.

Another intriguing 4th round pick in my opinion would be Javon Ringer. He's pretty quick in pads. His 40 numbers at the combine weren't too impressive, but he's quick on the field and, in college, he displayed some power running ability. I'd almost call him a mini Beanie Wells...

[moestavern19]

This is your 6th round stud RB, Kubiak style...

His name is Gartell Johnson and he's got a motor, and he's a ZBS RB, 1 cut and run.


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[EddieWasSnubbed]

This is your 6th round stud RB, Kubiak style...

His name is Gartell Johnson and he's got a motor, and he's a ZBS RB, 1 cut and run.

I would not mind this one bit. :)

[leroy420]

This is your 6th round stud RB, Kubiak style...

His name is Gartell Johnson and he's got a motor, and he's a ZBS RB, 1 cut and run.


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Is he the guy that got tackled by his dreads earlier this season?

[EddieWasSnubbed]

Is he the guy that got tackled by his dreads earlier this season?
No, I believe that was a player named Jourdan Brooks of Rutgers.

[redgoose]

It had to be all about the money for him to sign with the Bengals over the Texans. I think were more potentially playoff bound by a long shot than Cinci is. With TJ gone and horrible chemistry, we must of not even made him an offer, but he'll fit right in there with the Bengals locker room anyways. I still would have liked to have him play here for that price. I guess this tells us were looking for a RB in the draft.