[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by dadmg

A further note: while its completely irrelevant to this argument (as its been set on the condition that he would be cheap), I'm beginning to wonder if that'll be the case. The Bengals, after the disastrous Chris Perry experiment, are trying to bring back Benson as their starter. A bidding war, even a relatively low-level one, over Benson makes me a bit nauseous.

I agree; he cites "business" several times in his interview regarding why he potentially will be leaving Cinci/coming to Houston:

“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.”