With Branch deal done, Benson could be close behind

[Raider Ran]

by Levi Damien on Jul 14, 2012 1:46 PM PDT

Free agent running back Cedric Benson worked out for the Raiders three weeks ago but left with no deal. Benson had shown interest in coming to Oakland that the Raiders were said to be interested as well which prompted their bringing him in for a workout.

The sticking point is thought to be money. If Benson were to sign for league minimum, it would have cost the Raiders $810,000 due to his veteran status. Even at that amount, the Raiders would have been hard pressed to afford him.

But more than likely, Benson is looking for something a bit more than minimum for his services. The latest reports had the Raiders at just under a million below the salary cap-- not near enough to sign Benson to anything above minimum. So they waited.

Now the Raiders have finally signed Tyvon Branch to a long term deal which should net the team around about $2.3 million in additional cap relief for a total of about $3.3 million according to my figures. That will be more than enough to now get Benson signed with money left over for another free agent signing.

The team currently sits at 88 players on the roster with 90 players allowed. The 88 players includes unsigned rookies Tony Bergstrom and Juron Criner. Their contract values are set per the rookie cap and the money for their contracts is also already set aside and does not affect the Raiders' current available money under the salary cap.

There are still a few good players available as free agents. Three who jumped mind are linebacker EJ Henderson, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, and nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. But thus far the only workout or reported interest has been with Benson. Who the other free agent signing ends up being is unclear.

With Branch deal done, Benson could be close behind - Silver And Black Pride

[cheapshotartist]

Great news! Thanks OG.

[Big Chance]

Thanks Ran!!

[PhillyRaiderFan]

I dont see why people are so hype about Benson.

I say save the money, improve the D.

[Raider Ran]

I dont see why people are so hype about Benson.

I say save the money, improve the D.

Because we have no big back and a bunch of injury prone RB on the roster. No hype just insurance.

[Oakland3:16]

I would say Benson would be a good back-up/ short yardage back. E.J. Henderson would be a good back-up to Rolando. Franklin would be good depth on the D-Line and add some bulk in the middle. Franklin played pretty well for the niners when he was there but kind disappeared in New Orleans.


And we can roll with what we have at TE. But picking up Shancoe would be a pretty good pick up if the coaches weren't happy with what they have now.

[Darth Cro]

If we could sign Benson and Henderson for what we have, I would be shocked and excited. I think Henderson would be a good idea because not only could he fill in for McClain while he is suspended, in jail, or whatever,but if McClain decides to threaten to kill anyone again, Henderson would be good insurance.

[djh_raider]

With $1.3-4 million the Raiders had the cap space to sign any one of these guys. But they did not.

Cedric Benson may be the best option. However, he will not come cheap. People are talking about veteran minimum but I hear he wants more like $2million. A lot for a backup but maybe afforable now after the Branch signing. However I stillthink $2 million base salary is too high.

As for tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, why? I like the mix the Raiders have. There is experience in Myers, raw talent in Ausberry, and the pure blocker in Gordan.

EJ Henderson. As I said in the other thread, why? The Raiders have a good starting 3 in McClain, Curry and Wheeler. They have rookies in Burris and Stupar. Groethal, plus others like UDFA Kaelon Burnett who I think has talent. Unless the Raiders suffer an injury at LB during camp or pre-season I do not see a reason for picking up Henderson.

Aubrayo Franklin. This is more intriguing. He is the NT-type the Raiders need. He does have issues but his value is dropping and may be a bargain with a chip on his shoulder if the Raiders get him. The thing going against him is Travis Ivey. If Ivey has a good camp, then Franklin will not be worth the money.

If it was me, I would not sign anyone until the 2nd week of camp and the roster is analysed.

[16 to 88]

Thanks Ran!

[regret]

Benson would not only be great insurance but he could also take over in any kind of lopsided contests. It's just a good move all around.

I mean, not every signing has to be a superstar mega deal for us to be "hyped". I think we've had enough of that bull**** here the past several years, anyway.

[TerryDizzle]

hope so..

we have to look back at last season...

our productivity went way down..Offensve scheme had to be altered imo..

if dmac doesnt last the season..i believe its vital we can hit the ground running with a back up..or two..

if we do..i say we make playoffs

[R8RDaddy]

Yes, please.

Time to bring in Benson and EJ.

We need insurance policies for DMC and McClain.

[TonyHighRoller]

I dont see why people are so hype about Benson.

I say save the money, improve the D.

The reason why i am hyped about the possibility of Cedric Benson signing with the Raiders are for two reasons.

1. 1k rusher for the past 3 years with the Bengals would be a VERY GOOD backup if DMC goes down AGAIN.
2. Goodson or Goodman whatever he's name is..... REALLY?!

[IronRaider]

Sign him!!!

[thepantyraider]

Yes, please.

Time to bring in Benson and EJ.

We need insurance policies for DMC and McClain.

Dont know about anybody else, but if we sign benson and henderson, this would actually turn out to be a very solid offseason (and first offseason for rm)..... Exciting sh*t