Cedric Benson's emotional plea to get back into the NFL made me root for the guy. Even if he's a little unrealistic about his market value.
Benson did not sound open to taking a veteran's minimum contract, which is a mistake. There's a chance he could eventually do better, but there's an equal chance that some veteran like Ryan Grant would take a lesser salary. That's a tiebreaker.
Still, we think Benson is good enough to be in the league. You generally want your backup running backs to play special teams, but Benson can be a league average backup at worst as a power back on early downs.
1. Baltimore Ravens:Benson could fill the old Ricky Williams role if the Ravens realize youngsters Bernard Pierce and Anthony Allen aren't up for the task of backing up Ray Rice.
2. New York Jets:The Jets are thin at the position and desperate to believeShonn Greene will ever be the power back they wanted. A rough start to training camp could have them calling.
3. Seattle Seahawks:Marshawn Lynch insurance, anyone?
4. Green Bay Packers: We could see Benson getting another call from the Packers if Alex Green doesn't look ready in camp.
5. Oakland Raiders:It seems like an Al Davis move, but not necessarily a Reggie McKenzie move. Still, the Raiders could use the depth.
6. Washington Redskins: Signing Benson seems exactly like a Mike Shanahan move. But we'd only expect them to make a call if Tim Hightower or Ryan Torain get hurt in camp. (Which seems fairly likely.)
7. Indianapolis Colts: When Donald Brown and Delone Carter are your top two backs in a new system, it's not so crazy to look around.
