Benson Is Bengals Top Priority

From Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer:

Shayne Graham has been given the franchise tag and T.J. Houshmandzadeh's chances of returning to the Bengals are less than 10 percent. What does that mean for the rest of the team's 14 free agents?

Coach Marvin Lewis said three weeks ago that the Bengals would be proactive in the signing period, not only because upgrades are needed following the 4-11-1 season, but also because the team has so many free agents.

And with salary cap space estimated to be near $25 million, the Bengals have one of the better cap situations in the NFL. But before the Bengals can go shopping on the open market when the signing period starts Feb. 27, who will they try to retain? We take a look at the team's free agents and prioritize.

Most important

Running back Cedric Benson (5-11, 220, fifth season) had three 100-yard games in the four Bengals' wins after being signed in October. Benson said after the regular-season finale that he would like to return. The former first-round pick by the Bears also had the longest rushing and passing plays of the season.

Safety Chris Crocker (5-11, 200, seventh season) opened the season with Miami before being signed on Oct. 30. He took over as a starter in the team's 11th game and showed that he is extremely physical, especially on the short routes. He definitely fits into defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's future plans.

Linebacker Rashad Jeanty (6-2, 245, fourth season) is a restricted free agent who made 15 starts and was fourth on the team in tackles and second on special teams tackles. He is a disruptive pass rusher and good tackler. The club probably will make an offer.

Linebacker Brandon Johnson (6-5, 245, fourth season) also is a restricted free agent. He started the last nine games after rookie Keith Rivers was injured and was second on the team in tackles. He is very quick and an effective pass rusher. Another one who the club likely would make an offer to.

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