The Oakland Raiders could use some running back depth with Michael Bush gone, Taiwan Jones probably limited in terms of carries, Darren McFadden injury-prone throughout his history, the Raiders could use a new running back that gives them more quality depth.
Adam Schefter of ESPN filed this report which has the Raiders taking a close look at free agent Cedric Benson.
Bill Williamson of the AFC West blog has more.
I’ve long thought this is a logical pairing. The Raiders lost backup Michael Bush to Chicago in free agency, and while starter Darren McFadden is a star, he is not durable.
McFadden’s backups are Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones. Goodson didn’t have any carries with Carolina last year and Jones is more of a change-of-pace back. If signed, Benson would provide terrific experience as a backup and as an injury replacement.
Benson was a very successful running back last year with the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for 1,067 yards and six touchdowns with some catches sprinkled in there. Benson could be a good complement toward McFadden and give Oakland a solid one-two punch in the backfield to ensure their offense keeps on humming whenever either one of them leaves the field. Benson is a solid second option who could easily fill in and give the Raiders what Bush once gave them.
Talk about how well Benson would match with Oakland with Raiders fans with Silver and Black Pride.