Should the Bears Get Rid of Cedric Benson?

The Chicago Tribune's David Haugh puts forth an interesting idea: push Cedric Benson until he fails or flourishes. Of course, we'll need some clarification on what exactly it means to "fail or flourish," particularly since Tony Dorsett has already seen enough. That said, Haugh makes a good case for not giving up on Benson just yet:

After his first 362 NFL carries, opponents mocked him publicly. Headlines labeled him a bust. Fans ripped him on talk radio and on Sunday afternoons. He had gained a disappointing 1,264 yards in three sporadic seasons. Thomas Jones had worn out his welcome in Arizona in 2002.

Benson, in three seasons, has gained 1,335 yards on 360 carries. But, Haugh writes, the similarities shouldn't reassure Bears fans because Benson isn't necessarily just about to turn the corner.

All the numbers suggest, really, is that highly drafted NFL running backs who struggle early and face mounting pressure around town can benefit from a change of scenery, as Jones did.

Now I don't know if this is really the case, or if Haugh is just drawing conclusions on two data points. For the sake of argument, let's assume the former.

Then what? Do the Bears stick it out with Benson until his contract expires and then let him walk? Or should they trade him ASAP for whatever they can get? The problem, of course, is that Benson ain't worth much -- I can't imagine Chicago getting a first-day pick for him -- and that's a pretty big hit to take on a guy who's yet to play a full NFL season.

I think you have to give Benson the rest of 2007 and if it's clear by seasons' end that he never will be The Guy, the Bears should address the position through free agency or the draft.

And when I say "free agency", I don't mean spending gobs of money on an over-the-hill former stud looking for one last payday. I mean a mid-level part-time player overlooked by other teams, who could be primed for a breakout season.

Because if Chicago has learned anything, it's that taking running backs early in the first round isn't always a great idea.