Bengals Sign Cedric Benson, Rex Grossman Plans Visit

Cedric Benson is coming back to Cincinnati. The deal -- two years, $7 million -- is a far cry from the $17 million guaranteed over three years Cedric received from the Bears to begin his NFL career back in 2005, but it beats sitting at home and waiting for the phone to ring, too.

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On Tuesday, the Bengals re-signed the former Texas running back after having plucked him from obscurity last September. The Bears had released Benson for on-field ineffectiveness and off-field silliness, but he had a resurgence of sorts in Cincy. In 12 games, Benson rushed for 747 yards (3.5 average yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

Hardly Pro Bowl numbers, but the Bengals won four times in 2008; Benson was actually one of the few bright spots. Which probably has a lot to do with the organization deciding to keep him around.

"Cedric was a great addition for us last year," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, "and we're looking to see him pick up right where he left off." ...

"Cedric was recognized as an elite talent coming out of college," Lewis said. "His years in Chicago weren't what he hoped for, but he was able to give us a lift on the field and be a great presence in the locker room. He earned everyone's respect, and we're excited to let him continue to grow in our system."

I'm pretty sure nobody expected Benson to ever be described as a "great presence in the locker room" when the Bears released him last summer. But, hey, the Bengals are all about second and third (and so on, etc...) chances.

Which is why this makes perfect sense: Cincinnati will host Rex Grossman later this week as they search for Ryan Fitzpatrick's replacement. It's all about keeping hope alive, people.

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