Another thing that today means is that the Bengals were unable to get Chris Crocker, Cedric Benson and Stacy Andrews re-signed before hitting the free agency market. Benson was a high priority because the Bengals would only be left with Chris Perry, James Johnson and Kenny Watson. It became more of a priority when DeDe Dorsey wasn't offered a tender. However, we suspect that, unless another team gets involved, he could eventually sign to a minimum deal that saves the Bengals $460,000.

What does this mean?

Well, the Bengals will be down to three running backs while waiting to see if Cedric Benson could secure a better deal in free agency. If he can't, perhaps he falls back on an offer that the Bengals may have made, or resume negotiations. There's a chance that the Bengals could be mid-level players in free agency, working running backs like J.J. Arrington, Deuce McAllister, LaMont Jordan (which has a certain poetic irony), Dominic Rhodes, Fred Taylor, Aaron Stecker, etc.

However, it would seem more likely that the Bengals will definitely hit the draft for a running back. Geoff Hobson went so far to say that they'll draft a running back no matter what. "Whether they sign Benson or not, the Bengals know they have to draft a back." Uh-hum. Chris Wells? (sigh)

It would also appear that the Eagles are interested Stacy Andrews.