Bengals list Benson as their top-priority, even after offering Derrick Ward a contract

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 27, 2009 10:26 AM EST in Contracts

A league source tells Pro Football Talk (three postings of that exact wording in a row) that the Bengals still have Cedric Benson listed as their top priority in free agency. It was also reported early this morning that the Bengals were one of five teams that offered Derrick Ward a contract. However:

Per the source, the Bengals prefer Benson because he's a couple of years younger than Ward. And Benson has shown that he can be a featured back; Ward was merely a complement to Brandon Jacobs with the Giants.

I can't argue that. And apparently cost isn't the issue here from the team's perspective, offering two upper-tier running backs in free agency.

OK, your turn. Benson or Ward?

		Rushing						Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD
2008 - Cedric Benson	12	214	747	62.3	3.5	46	2	20	185	15.4	9.3	79	0

		Rushing						Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD
2008 - Derrick Ward	16	182	1025	64.1	5.6	51	2	41	384	24.0	9.4	48	0

Poll

You're the Bengals front office, which running back do you sign?

Cedric Benson

108 votes

Derrick Ward

225 votes

333 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Benson over Ward?

Really? Why?

by IFChris on Feb 27, 2009 10:44 AM EST reply actions

RE:

I think they made a good point. Ward’s success was as a complement of Brandon Jacobs. So we’re not sure if Ward is up to being a feature back. However, we know that Benson could do it.

That’s my impression at least.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 27, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Look at how many 20+ carries OR 100+ yards games Benson has as opposed to Ward!

by TheWalrus1971 on Feb 27, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

True

But even after EVERYONE in the stadium knew the Giants were going to run the ball, Ward still produced. 1000 yards with under 200 carries. Plus, he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Quite well, in fact (41 receptions for almost 400 yards).

I know the Giants were stacked in the backfield last year, but Ward still stood out. I’m curious, though, if he’s a goal line threat because he only had two TDs last season. Of course, that’s where the Jacobs factor came into play because is there anyone in the NFL better suited for goal line carries than Brandon Jacobs?

by IFChris on Feb 27, 2009 11:15 AM EST reply actions

Something else

The five teams that apparently offered Ward a contract are the Buccaneers, Rams, Broncos, Bengals, and Lions.

Now, the Broncos signed J.J. Arrington and Buckhalter. The Rams already have Stephan Jackson which leaves the Bucs and Bengals. Unless Ward really wants to join the Lions. I mean, I guess he could.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 27, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions