For Real?!

I could have used his mug shot, but I took the high road.

Try this one on for size Packer fans, Chris Mortensen is reporting that Green Bay is on the verge of signing Cedric Benson to a contract. No details are known at this point and it has not been confirmed by the Packers, but Mortensen is a pretty reliable source. A deal looks imminent at this point to bring in the former fourth overall draft pick.

Benson was originally drafted by Chicago in 2005 out of Texas. He never panned out with the Bears and was released after three disappointing seasons. He was promptly signed by the Bengals and produced three straight thousand yard seasons. The move is somewhat puzzling considering Benson’s numerous off the field problems, but he certainly fits a need at this point.

Ted Thompson seems to be continuing his unusual offseason by pursuing another veteran free agent. No attempt was made to resign Ryan Grant this offseason, and the remaining running backs were the epitome of inexperienced. We’ll never know whether the shaky running performance in week one of the preseason had anything to do with this move, but my guess is it had little, if any, impact. It’s more likely that the coaching staff grew increasingly uncomfortable with the situation at running back since the beginning of OTAs, and implored Thompson to find them more help in the backfield.

If Benson is signed, it will be fascinating to see how he is used. In a system in which blocking is the running back’s primary responsibility, the best runner doesn’t always get the most snaps. Benson has shown an ability to run effectively during the second half of his career, but I’m not sure how much he’s been asked to pass block. Considering his, ahem, reputation, it’s hard to believe he’d be willing to accept a role so far removed from the spotlight.

Although this move has not been officially made just yet, I once again applaud Ted Thompson for his creativity and development as a general manager. The Packers are in full-fledged ‘win now’ mode, and Thompson is acting accordingly. Maybe now our franchise quarterback won’t also lead the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.