Oakland Raiders: How the Packers Signing Cedric Benson Affects the Raiders



After public interest in free agent running back Cedric Benson, the Oakland Raiders were unable to sign the former Cincinnati Bengal.

The Associated Press reported that Benson signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, officially taking him off of Oakland’s radar.

Although the Raiders certainly were not desperate for the back who has logged over 1,000 yards over the past three years, he would have been a nice backup to star running back Darren McFadden.

McFadden has garnered the unfortunate label of an injury-prone player, something that he takes issue with. Having played in only seven games during the 2012 regular season and never playing in more than 13 regular-season games in his four-year career, the Raiders organization cannot help but be a little worried about their No. 1 running back’s health.

If he is healthy, McFadden is a force to be reckoned with, but that “if” is the problem.

Cedric Benson would have provided an excellent substitute for the loss of Michael Bush to the Chicago Bears. Bush provided a red-zone presence and a short-yardage situation to complement the home run threat that is Darren McFadden.

Money was likely the main problem for Oakland, and with the Raiders nearing the cap limit, signing Benson was impractical.

So, what will the Raiders do moving forward?

For one, San Francisco native Taiwan Jones will likely get more carries. Having played in 10 games last season, Jones isn’t brand new coming into his second year in the NFL.



He may have only had 16 carries for 73 yards and a couple receptions for 25 yards, but he should prove to be a decent supporting cast member in the Raiders’ offense.

If new head coach Dennis Allen prefers that McFadden not punch in touchdowns, the responsibility should fall on fullback Marcel Reece.

Reece is the perf...

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