Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Benson visiting Texans/signs with Bengals

buddyboy said:
AAAAAAAAAAAH! IT'S SLATON! S-L-A-T-O-N!!!!!!

In regards to your post...Slaton was a third round pick, so he's not being handed the starting job because of financial obligation or where he was drafted.
Click to expand...
And bringing in another guy + Slaton not making the Pro Bowl, will only make Speed Slaton a better back to watch this year.
 
It might take a while. They have to give the tour, go through the interview process, take him to lunch, talk to him some more... you know... wine and dine the man. :splits:
 
If we could get the hard running Benson that the Bengals got for the last 5 or so games of the season and wouldn't have to shell out to much money for the guy, then yeah. He would be an excellent compliment to Slaton and exactly the kind of runner we need to pair with him.

But, I wouldn't give him that much money because Benson has proven time and time again that he isn't that hard of a worker and that he'll make really poor decisions off the field. He is one arrest away from a multiple game suspension, so that never makes me feel to well either.
 
I don't know.

I'd still like to take a look at Derrick Ward. Granted he was running behind a better offensive line and in a better situation in the games, but I think he may be a better pick for us than Cedric Benson.

Someone earlier in the thread said that Cedric had a 7 ypc average and that's just not true. He had a 3.5 ypc average and really boosted that average against the Chiefs and the Browns in the last two games of the season. He was below 3 ypc for most of the games he was in. His best game was a 4.5 ypc game.

Ward averaged 5.6 ypc and his best game was a 14.6 ypc game. His worst was a 2.8 ypc game against the Steelers.

Maybe Benson would do better behind our line but... for me, Ward looks like the better guy. He's used to sharing carries and he takes advantage of the ones he gets.
 
Last edited:
The Pencil Neck said:
I don't know.

I'd still like to take a look at Derrick Ward. Granted he was running behind a better offensive line and in a better situation in the games, but I think he may be a better pick for us than Cedric Ward.

Someone earlier in the thread said that Cedric had a 7 ypc average and that's just not true. He had a 3.5 ypc average and really boosted that average against the Chiefs and the Browns in the last two games of the season. He was below 3 ypc for most of the games he was in. His best game was a 4.5 ypc game.

Ward averaged 5.6 ypc and his best game was a 14.6 ypc game. His worst was a 2.8 ypc game against the Steelers.

Maybe Benson would do better behind our line but... for me, Ward looks like the better guy. He's used to sharing carries and he takes advantage of the ones he gets.
Click to expand...


Who's Cedric Ward??!
 
When this one came up last time I hopped from being okay with it to not wanting it to happen and back again. Ended up not wanting it, so that's where I'll stand now. Guys who need this much of a wake up call make me nervous although the fit is obviously there. I think I'd rather draft a guy, even if he was signed.
 
Give me Derrick Ward any day over Ced Benson. If we do sign Benson, I'll reluctanly support the move, but I'll want to draft a RB somewhere as ins. I don't think much of his personal character, and I don't think much of his football character either. I don't get the adoration at all for this guy. Cedric Bustson is just another Ronnie Dayne with a UT background.

Ward is just a flat out much better player. With Ward, I'm good with Slaton, Ward, C Brown, Moats, and maybe an undrafted FA or two as competition.
 
Is Ward a better RB then Benson? Certainly.

Will Ward's contract demands be greater then Benson's? Most definatly.

I'd rather take a chance with Benson at lower dollars then with Ward at bigger money.
 
As much i would like to have Ward i like this move to try to sign him if the money is right and his head is right. i say do it.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
I don't know.

I'd still like to take a look at Derrick Ward. Granted he was running behind a better offensive line and in a better situation in the games, but I think he may be a better pick for us than Cedric Benson.
Click to expand...

I would love to see Derrick Ward with the Texans, but I know there is no way. :kingkong: He wants to be the man, and get paid as the man.
 
how come when someone has a good year they want to become the highest paid at their position EVER. what ever happened to guys jus playing out there contracts and doing there job?
 
TEXANS84 said:
Both arrests/charges were dropped.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but if I'm not mistaken didn't he get into trouble before that?

I doubt the league will go to easy on him.

I think he could be a great addition to Slaton if we get the guy that played in Cinci for a few games at the end of the season, but with Benson you're rolling the dice. If you're going to roll the dice, then make sure you don't put to much money on the line. I'd be okay with bringing him here, but not for that much money. He has to strong of potential to start slacking off again like he did in Chicago. Their entire team couldn't stand the guy and talked about his lack of a work ethic.
 
I wouldn't mind Benson coming in to play if the contract isn't too expensive. Although he isn't a choir boy and I think the situation in Chicago was just a bad one from the word go. Both charges were dropped and I think he's a back that would understand one cut and go.


I like Derrick Ward's game a lot but I think he's looking for a pretty big payday and the starter role. I think he's going to want too much.

I really like Slaton a lot and the kid proved last year he can take a large portion of the payload. I'd really like to see a guy come in and share some of the carries though so he's explosive throughout the year. It also scares me to think if an injury happens as of right now we have Chris Brown and Ryan Moats to start the season. Chris if healthy could carry the bulk of the load but that's the problem. Moats is a good situational guy but can't carry the rock 20+ times a game and not break down.

Whether it is address in FA or in the draft we need a guy that can split carries and carry the load if Slaton goes down.
 
Texecutioner said:
Yeah, but if I'm not mistaken didn't he get into trouble before that?

I doubt the league will go to easy on him.

I think he could be a great addition to Slaton if we get the guy that played in Cinci for a few games at the end of the season, but with Benson you're rolling the dice. If you're going to roll the dice, then make sure you don't put to much money on the line. I'd be okay with bringing him here, but not for that much money. He has to strong of potential to start slacking off again like he did in Chicago. Their entire team couldn't stand the guy and talked about his lack of a work ethic.
Click to expand...

And he didn't look that good in Cincy EXCEPT in the final couple of games. I'm just not convinced that he's as good a back as a lot of people here seem to think.

I'll be OK with the signing if it happens but I'm expecting less production from him than we got from Ahman Green.
 
Goldensilence said:
I wouldn't mind Benson coming in to play if the contract isn't too expensive. Although he isn't a choir boy and I think the situation in Chicago was just a bad one from the word go. Both charges were dropped and I think he's a back that would understand one cut and go.


I like Derrick Ward's game a lot but I think he's looking for a pretty big payday and the starter role. I think he's going to want too much.

I really like Slaton a lot and the kid proved last year he can take a large portion of the payload. I'd really like to see a guy come in and share some of the carries though so he's explosive throughout the year. It also scares me to think if an injury happens as of right now we have Chris Brown and Ryan Moats to start the season. Chris if healthy could carry the bulk of the load but that's the problem. Moats is a good situational guy but can't carry the rock 20+ times a game and not break down.

Whether it is address in FA or in the draft we need a guy that can split carries and carry the load if Slaton goes down.
Click to expand...

Chris Brown is not currently on the Texan's roster.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
And he didn't look that good in Cincy EXCEPT in the final couple of games. I'm just not convinced that he's as good a back as a lot of people here seem to think.

I'll be OK with the signing if it happens but I'm expecting less production from him than we got from Ahman Green.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm not to sold that he'll stay consistent either. The thing I like about him though is that he is a bruiser and exactly the kind of RB we need to pair with Slaton. I just wouldn't put much of an investment in him. He was barely even able to sign with anyone last season because he seemed to washed up and also kept getting arrested. THey may have been dropped, but still it can't be denied that he is a guy that finds trouble. He found it all of the time at Texas and they were able to keep most of his troubles under wraps and even had charges dropped for him.

I wouldn't mind giving him a one year deal because if he tanks then he tanks. It's only one year and he'll still be motivated to play hard, but I'm sure he's looking for a multi year deal. I'm just not sure that I'd want to trust that he'll stay consistent for that long.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
And he didn't look that good in Cincy EXCEPT in the final couple of games. I'm just not convinced that he's as good a back as a lot of people here seem to think.

I'll be OK with the signing if it happens but I'm expecting less production from him than we got from Ahman Green.
Click to expand...

So you think he won't even see the field? IMO it's not that he's super great or anything but I think he's a viable option behind Slaton. I think it's not that he's being made out as a great RB here as much as people like the possible low risk high reward scenario.

MojoMan said:
Chris Brown is not currently on the Texan's roster.
Click to expand...

You're right even worse then I thought. Should remember next time to check depth chart before opening my mouth.
 
Grams said:
Chris Brown is listed on the injured reserve list - as per the Texans official website roster.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that information.

Does that automatically infer that he will be on the roster next year?

Does anyone know how long the contract is that the Texans signed with Chris Brown?

What is Chris Brown's status in recovering from his injury?
 
Goldensilence said:
So you think he won't even see the field? IMO it's not that he's super great or anything but I think he's a viable option behind Slaton. I think it's not that he's being made out as a great RB here as much as people like the possible low risk high reward scenario.
Click to expand...

Green didn't see the field much but he saw the field. 74 carries for 294 yards and 3 TD's last year. 11 receptions for 32 yards.

With all the games where Benson got 1-2 yards per carry last year, we may get similar numbers.
 
Maybe it's just me, but the more I read about Benson in this thread the less I like him.
 
This just in from the Houston Chronicle:

Ex-Longhorn Benson says he'd like to play for Texans

Running back Cedric Benson arrived in Houston from Austin today to meet with the Texans, who are looking for a player to back up Steve Slaton.

After filling two needs by signing left defensive end Antonio Smith and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky, the Texans are looking for a back who complements Slaton, who rushed for 1,282 yards as a rookie and compiled 1,659 yards from scrimmage to go with 10 touchdowns.

“I like being in Texas and Houston’s close to home,” Benson said after arriving at Hobby Airport. “I think the possibility is good (about signing with the Texans), but there’s always a business side to everything.”

Benson, 26, is a Midland native who played at the University of Texas before Chicago selected him with the fourth overall pick in 2005. Released after three years with the Bears, Benson signed with Cincinnati last season and rushed for 747 yards in 10 starts.

Benson was asked why he would accept a backup role with the Texans rather than a starting job with the Bengals.

“The business side here might be better than the business side in Cincinnati,” Benson said about contract negotiations.

“Also, there’s the Super Bowl. I had an opportunity to go to one (with Chicago), and I’d like to go back and win.”

Last year, the Texans weren’t interested in Benson when he was waived by the Bears. They became interested after watching him play for the Bengals and stay out of trouble off the field.

Benson’s legal issues have been cleared up.

“I have matured a little more,” he said. “A young man changes after he turns 21.”

The Bengals are trying to re-sign Benson, who had three 100-yard games for them. He closed the season with 171 and 111 yards in victories over Cleveland and Kansas City. The Bengals finished with a three-game winning streak in which Benson averaged 118.3 yards rushing.

“I think I proved that I’m the player everybody thought I could be,” Benson said. “I think it showed that I can get the job done, being a full-time back and carry the load.”

“Chicago fans asked me what was the difference? I told them it was simple: They gave me the football.”
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Steve Slatons contract:

7/21/2008: Signed a four-year, $2.370 million contract. The deal included a $664,500 signing bonus. 2009: $385,000, 2010: $470,000, 2011: $555,000, 2012: Free Agent

http://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_contract.aspx?sport=NFL&id=4651

So unless Steve is about to get a raise or Benson takes a heck of a pay cut I don't see him signing here.

To bad too cus we would not only win the division with a beefed up D but maybe even make it to the SB with a sick running game like these two could bring.
 
Benson-Slaton tandem would work for Texans

Not that I'm psychic, but ...

I believe I mentioned during the football season that a Cedric Benson-Steve Slaton combo at running back would be pretty decent.

When the teams around here listen to what we tell them, they fare better.

Benson, who is a free agent, is in town for a visit.

The Texans couldn't do much better than the Midland native (Derrick Ward's about it, and he's probably too expensive), and they certainly won't find a running back of his caliber in the draft.

This would be a great move in many ways.

Cedric told me when that he figured out a few things in his stint with the Bears that made him a better player with the Bengals this past season.

He was running like the hard-charging back that we grew accustomed to watching at Texas. For a host of reasons, he was not that guy for most of his time with the Bears.

This year, he looked slim, quick and we saw that the first defender had difficulty bringing him down. The YAC were way up. That's the Cedric Benson we know.

He would be a great signing for the Texans. Getting the financial package together that he will accept might be the issue.

I expect a number of teams to be in the hunt for his services, and the Bengals want him back as a starter. I think Houston is one of the best fits for his game - even as a split-time back with Slaton - and his life. I know the Texans locker room, and Benson would be right at home there.

The off-the-field incidents last offseason were overblown. The two arrests got highlight coverage, while the dropping of those charges didn't register much notice. (Benson has even considered suing one arresting agency.)

The Texans has the best offense in team history last year. Benson could help take it to another level. He would look good behind Alex Gibbs' blocking scheme.
 
TEXANRED said:
Steve Slatons contract:

7/21/2008: Signed a four-year, $2.370 million contract. The deal included a $664,500 signing bonus. 2009: $385,000, 2010: $470,000, 2011: $555,000, 2012: Free Agent

http://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_contract.aspx?sport=NFL&id=4651

So unless Steve is about to get a raise or Benson takes a heck of a pay cut I don't see him signing here.

To bad too cus we would not only win the division with a beefed up D but maybe even make it to the SB with a sick running game like these two could bring.
Click to expand...

What makes you think he would not be signed for more money than Slaton?

I mean, it may not seem fair, but what does fairness have to do with anything? Slaton is still playing through his rookie contract, which is for less than what a free agent like Benson will receive. When Slaton enters free agency, he will get a raise too, if he remains healthy and continues to play well.
 
MojoMan said:
Chris Brown is not currently on the Texan's roster.
Click to expand...

Grams said:
Chris Brown is listed on the injured reserve list - as per the Texans official website roster.
Click to expand...

2/9 Ahman Green Taken off IR (knee).
Fred Weary Taken off IR (right leg).
Harry Williams Taken off IR (fractured vertebra).
Chris Brown Taken off IR (back).
Jimmy Williams Taken off IR (left knee).
Zac Diles Taken off IR (leg).
Antwaun Molden Taken off IR (ankle).
Scott Jackson Taken off IR (foot).
Earl Cochran Taken off IR (turf toe).
C.C. Brown Taken off IR (broken arm).
Stanley McClover Taken off IR.
Chris Taylor Taken off IR (quadricep

http://www.nfl.com/teams/houstontexans/transactions?team=HOU

Mark Bruener is listed on the roster and he is a FA.

2/27 Mark Bruener declared free agent.

The information has not been updated.
 
TEXANRED said:
Why is that? He basicaly said that the Texans are SB bound and the Bungles aren't.
Click to expand...

I get nervous about underachievers with arrest records. Yeah, I know, the charges were dropped and he did a good job running last year. It may be all in my head, but I’m still a tad nervous about it.
 
Thorn said:
I get nervous about underachievers with arrest records. Yeah, I know, the charges were dropped and he did a good job running last year. It may be all in my head, but I’m still a tad nervous about it.
Click to expand...

I wouldnt say Im nervous. Just a little cautiously optimistic. Unlike Ahman Green, who I didnt want from the first time he was mentioned in rumors to come here.
 
If the "business side" doesn't negatively effect the components that go into re-signing our core players and bringing in a few more FAs along with signing our draftees then I say pull the trigger. I trust Smith enough to know he won't commit too much in the deal if there is one. It has to be heavily incentive based.. We need at least 2 RBs who can stay healthy, out of trouble, and will contribute consistently. One other RB who is there in a just-in-case role and we will be set.

The question is, who else could fill this role if we don't sign Benson? The other UFAs still out there are:


Reuben Droughns
Warrick Dunn
Nick Goings
Ahman Green
Noah Herron
Maurice Hicks
Deuce McAllister
Cedric Benson
Jesse Chatman
DeShaun Foster
Rudi Johnson
Kevin Jones
LaMont Jordan
Travis Minor
Michael Pittman
Dominic Rhodes
Tony Richardson
Aaron Stecker
Derrick Ward
Jamel White
Jason Wright

If we don't find one, then RB obviously is a need in the draft, so far it looks like the Texans are attempting to fill needs through FA so they can go mostly BPA through the draft. I like how he sees the Texans as SB contenders and not the lowly Texans. You may have to take his Cincy stats as you take Orvlosky's stats because Cincy was pretty awful and their division has Baltimore and Pittsburgh who are two dominant defenses.
 
Just saying.

JWarren14 said:
The question is, who else could fill this role if we don't sign Benson? The other UFAs still out there are:

Reuben Droughns
Warrick Dunn
Nick Goings
Ahman Green
Noah Herron
Maurice Hicks
Deuce McAllister
Cedric Benson
Jesse Chatman
DeShaun Foster
Rudi Johnson
Kevin Jones
LaMont Jordan
Travis Minor
Michael Pittman
Dominic Rhodes
Tony Richardson
Aaron Stecker
Derrick Ward
Jamel White
Jason Wright
Click to expand...
 
JWarren14 said:
If the "business side" doesn't negatively effect the components that go into re-signing our core players and bringing in a few more FAs along with signing our draftees then I say pull the trigger. I trust Smith enough to know he won't commit too much in the deal if there is one. It has to be heavily incentive based.. We need at least 2 RBs who can stay healthy, out of trouble, and will contribute consistently. One other RB who is there in a just-in-case role and we will be set.

The question is, who else could fill this role if we don't sign Benson? The other UFAs still out there are:


Reuben Droughns
Warrick Dunn
Nick Goings
Ahman Green
Noah Herron
Maurice Hicks
Deuce McAllister
Cedric Benson
Jesse Chatman
DeShaun Foster
Rudi Johnson
Kevin Jones
LaMont Jordan
Travis Minor
Michael Pittman
Dominic Rhodes
Tony Richardson
Aaron Stecker
Derrick Ward
Jamel White
Jason Wright

If we don't find one, then RB obviously is a need in the draft, so far it looks like the Texans are attempting to fill needs through FA so they can go mostly BPA through the draft. I like how he sees the Texans as SB contenders and not the lowly Texans. You may have to take his Cincy stats as you take Orvlosky's stats because Cincy was pretty awful and their division has Baltimore and Pittsburgh who are two dominant defenses.
Click to expand...


From this list give me Cedric Benson and KJ
 
MojoMan said:
What makes you think he would not be signed for more money than Slaton?

I mean, it may not seem fair, but what does fairness have to do with anything? Slaton is still playing through his rookie contract, which is for less than what a free agent like Benson will receive. When Slaton enters free agency, he will get a raise too, if he remains healthy and continues to play well.
Click to expand...

You dont pay backups more than your starters.
 
TEXANRED said:
You dont pay backups more than your starters.
Click to expand...

Then that will probably prohibit the signing of any free agent running backs. I don't know why the Texans are even bothering to bring Benson in for the day.

Slaton will make $385,000 in 2009. The minimum salary for Cedric Benson in 2009 appears to be $620,000, based on the minimums from the following page (near the bottom):

http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/faq.asp

And that assumes that Benson would take the minimum, which I believe the Texan's staff knew quite well that he wouldn't prior to inviting him in.
 
TEXANRED said:
You dont pay backups more than your starters.
Click to expand...

Sometimes you do. Reeves will most likely be more highly compensated than Bennett (should Bennett start in front of Reeves). He's playing through his rookie contract. He'll get his payday after it's up, so yes, I would say that it's not unheard of to pay a veteran backup more than a second year starter.
 
FIFTY BUCKS!!!...if he's willing and able to pay more then fine! Oh you guys were talking about paying HIM!!!
 
You guys are killing me.

You don't sit the higher paid player. You play him.

Greenwood and Weaver both began the year as starters b/c of there salary. Why else would you explain cutting them? What does it hurt to bring them back to camp for at least camp bodies and compete for a starting spot? Diles and Xavier are cheaper and younger and are going to start in front of Greenwood.

Just like Cochran and Bulman would of started in front of Weaver.

With the exception of VY being the highest paid 3rd string in history, what QB that is penciled in as the starter at the begining of the year has there back up making more than them?

And Bennett, is not going to begin the year as a starting CB.
 
TEXANRED said:
You guys are killing me.

You don't sit the higher paid player. You play him.

Greenwood and Weaver both began the year as starters b/c of there salary. Why else would you explain cutting them? What does it hurt to bring them back to camp for at least camp bodies and compete for a starting spot? Diles and Xavier are cheaper and younger and are going to start in front of Greenwood.

Just like Cochran and Bulman would of started in front of Weaver.

With the exception of VY being the highest paid 3rd string in history, what QB that is penciled in as the starter at the begining of the year has there back up making more than them?

And Bennett, is not going to begin the year as a starting CB.
Click to expand...


I notice you didn't say anything about Steve Slaton's backup, the whole reason this chain of posts began. By your logic of backups not being paid more than starters, the only backup RBs we could potentially sign are 4-7 round draft picks. Fact: Veteran players generally cost more than players in their rookie contracts.
 
TEXANRED said:
You guys are killing me.

You don't sit the higher paid player. You play him.

Greenwood and Weaver both began the year as starters b/c of there salary. Why else would you explain cutting them? What does it hurt to bring them back to camp for at least camp bodies and compete for a starting spot? Diles and Xavier are cheaper and younger and are going to start in front of Greenwood.

Just like Cochran and Bulman would of started in front of Weaver.

With the exception of VY being the highest paid 3rd string in history, what QB that is penciled in as the starter at the begining of the year has there back up making more than them?


And Bennett, is not going to begin the year as a starting CB.
Click to expand...

In the sense that you dont bring in a highly paid guy to backup I get where you are coming from. But, when the player clearly is being brought in to be the backup for a player still playing on his rookie contract you are just plain wrong.

Green was the starter last year more because Slaton was a rookie and originally signed as a 3rd down back. And Adibi pretty much the same thing. They both ended up plaing very well. Oh by the way how would you explain Kevin Bently and Chaun Thompson backing up Zach Diles and both making at least double what Diles made last season.

So what you should say is you dont pay guys STARTER (not your starter, market value starter) money to sit the bench which I would totally agree. But when you are signing guys for far less than starter money they should expect to be the 2nd string guy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top