Benson is a free agent

June 12, 2008 6:23 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Cedric Benson was not claimed off of waivers today, an NFL source confirmed.

Benson is now an unrestricted free agent. The fact that 31 teams stayed away from Benson, who was cut by Chicago Monday, is no surprise. Any team that would have claimed Benson, who was released after he was arrested twice in five weeks on alcohol-related charges, would have had to take on his salary. Now, teams can offer whatever they like to Benson.

Because of his off-field issues and lackluster play on the field, Benson, the No. 4 overall pick from the 2005 draft, joins a pool of veteran running backs looking for work. Among the tailbacks available are Shaun Alexander, Kevin Jones, Travis Henry, Ron Dayne and now Benson. Oakland is expected to cut LaMont Jordan soon. Many of these players may have to wait for a training camp injury before getting a job.

Cedric Benson

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