Bengals and Lions are in the mix; possibly battling for Derrick Ward depending on Cedric Benson

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 27, 2009 1:23 PM EST in Contracts

We pointed out earlier this morning that the Bengals offered a deal to Ward, however re-signing Benson is still their top priority. Which means that the Bengals are keeping Ward in their back-pocket dependant of what happens with negotiations with Benson. A question. Why not sign both? Just a thought.

The "Oh Crap, PFT.com keeps breaking" intermediary site on Sporting News claims that the Bengals and Lions are competing for Ward.

The Lions interest is to pair Ward with Kevin Smith, while the Bengals' pursuit could be contingent on ongoing negotiations in Cincinnati to keep Cedric Benson in the fold.

The source said that the Rams, Buccaneers and Broncos -- all rumored to be interested -- have not been in the mix.

Yup. The Bengals are actually pocketing one in case they can't sign the other. However, Ward could take another approach allowing the market to work itself out, before deciding to sign with anyone; especially if he wants to sign with a team that's playoff-projected in 2009.

Also, in the second post of the day with Ward, I pointed out the following comment:

Brandon Jacobs missed three games. How did Ward perform in those games?

Week 12 – 20 carries, 69 yards, TD
Week 15 – 14 carries, 64 yards
Week 17 – 15 carries, 77 yards

Today the two biggest stories for the Bengals are what happens with Houshmandzadeh and the combination of what happens with Ward/Benson. We'll keep updating as information flows in, making it my duty (hah, he said duty) to keep you guys as the most informed fans on the net!

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Comments

Confusing RB Policy

Derrick Ward is not your atypical bruising running back such as we’ve seen the Bengals attempt to use in recent times.

Not that Cedric Benson is Rudi mark two but why would you tend an offer for a shifty back, which you already have in Mr Change of pace himself De De Dorsey (or Mr IR depending on your POV), when you’re actively looking to sign a starting running back and your coach has been quoted as saying we’re going back to Bengal football with bruising running a feature of this.

Unless the intention is for a Benson/Ward tag team?

by Squizza on Feb 27, 2009 2:25 PM EST reply actions

Must catch up first!

That’ll teach me to read from the bottom up.

OK, De De has gone but Ward is still not the type of RB you’d associate with the Bengals, especially facing Steelers and Ravens Ds four games a season.

by Squizza on Feb 27, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions