Report: Benson Hoping To Sign With Raiders

According to ESPN's John Clayton, former Bengals running back Cedric Benson is hoping to become an Oakland Raider. The Raiders have a need behind starter Darren McFadden with the recent departure of Michael Bush to the Chicago Bears in free agency. Benson would likely have to settle for the veteran's minimum in order to become a Raider. While Benson has interest in Oakland, the Raiders may not have any interest in Benson. According to Clayton, no team has contacted Benson so far this week.

Oakland could be a good spot for Benson. Benson would provide the power back behind McFadden that the Raiders have previously had in Bush. Benson would have to battle the oft injured Taiwan Jones and former Carolina Panther Mike Goodson for the backup job to McFadden. McFadden has a significant injury history, so Benson may be thinking that McFadden will bite the injury bug again and he will be inserted into the starting backfield. Benson going to Oakland would reunite him with Carson Palmer and possibly make the Oakland and Cincinnati game on November 25th even more significant.