What's interesting about the Shaun Alexander sweepstakes is that the two teams that have publicly expressed interest (Bengals and Saints), have two running backs coming off injury in Rudi Johnson and Deuce McAllister. The Bengals let Alexander on the plane without offering a deal while he concluded the visit was "a good visit". If Alexander were to sign with his home town team, then the Bengals would use him as a backup to Rudi Johnson and an "insurance policy" if (or should we say 'when') Chris Perry goes down for the season.
In related running backs news, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis expects Chris Perry "to be on the field when the voluntary camps start May 13"