Cincinnati Bengals Free Agency: 5 Running Backs to Replace Cedric Benson

With Cedric Benson's days in the AFC North seemingly numbered, the Cincinnati Bengals need a new running back. The new back should be a more suitable fit for the more wide-open offense the team is constructing around the dynamic talents of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.

Oakland Raiders star Michael Bush is the last marquee name left in the free agent running back class. However, he is more of a smash-mouth, pounding style of runner. Bush seems like a younger version of Benson, rather than a back who would provide Dalton with a more versatile and explosive weapon.

Dalton will need a capable runner with more big play potential than Benson and also possessing above-average receiving ability and good pass-blocking skills. Players like Green Bay Packers veteran Ryan Grant and determined New England Patriots runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis certainly meet these requirements.

While none of the runners on this list could be considered elite, they are all solid and and versatile contributors who would help expand the offensive playbook for Jay Gruden in 2012. Anyone of these veterans could also serve as a valuable mentor and experienced stop gap to any rookie the Bengals may take in April's draft.

5. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers

Twenty-nine-year-old Ryan Grant came back from a serious ankle ligament injury suffered in 2010 to show that he can still be a playmaker on the ground in the NFL. Grant rushed for 559 yards at a 4.2 average in 14 starts during 2011.

The 6'1", 222-pounder proved that he retains his knack for the big play by rushing for a 47-yard touchdown and also catching an 80-yard scoring pass. Grant has played in a West Coast style offense his entire career and has the skill set to be a valuable weapon for Dalton.

His age and injury history are obvious concerns. Yet with Bernard Scott on hand to split the carries and Gruden already hinting at a committee approach in 2012, Grant could surprise a few people as a member of the Bengals offense.

4. Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers

Mike Tolbert is a powerful runner and competent receiver, whose signing could benefit the Bengals offense in a variety of ways. Tolbert has the experience of operating as a rotational player as part of Norv Turner's offense in San Diego

At 5'9" and 243 pounds, his brute force would provide an effective compliment to the speed of Scott. Tolbert's 54 receptions in 2011 also show that he is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield.

Although Tolbert's signing would be unlikely to generate many headlines, the 26-year-old has the attributes to quickly establish himself as an integral part of Cincinnati's schemes.

3. Jason Snelling, Atlanta Falcons

Jason Snelling is a bruising runner whose power between the tackles would mean that the Bengals wouldn't miss Benson's tough inside running. Snelling has the potential to be a featured back, but the clock is ticking for the 28-year-old.

He possesses the size at 5'11" and 234 pounds to maintain Cincinnati's much-needed physical edge in the rugged AFC North. Snelling is not afraid to drag tacklers with him and fight for extra yards through the middle.

While he is a credible short-range receiving option, the five-year pro is never likely to scare a defense as part of the passing game. Snelling's production may not be spectacular, but a change of team could be just what he needs to finally put up big numbers.

2. Tim Hightower, Washington Redskins

If he has fully recovered from the ACL injury which wrecked his 2011 season, Tim Hightower is definitely an option worth considering for the Bengals. Hightower moved to the Washington Redskins as part of a late trade and began the campaign well.

He had posted 321 rushing yards and 78 yards receiving before injury struck in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers. When healthy, Hightower is an excellent receiver and is one of the better pass-blocking backs in the league.

The 6'0", 222-pounder has always been a bit of a "feast or famine" runner, but he is capable of breaking the long gains on occasion. Hightower has deceptive lateral speed and is a powerful and determined force through the middle.

If he can demonstrate his health is back near 100 percent, Hightower could attract decent interest in free agency. The emergence of Redskins rookies Roy Helu and Evan Royster could create an opportunity for a running back-needy team like Cincinnati to pursue Hightower.

1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots

Benjarvus Green-Ellis is a forgotten man thanks to the aerial production of Tom Brady in the New England Patriots' hurry-up, pass-happy offense. However, the 26-year-old is a tough, durable and savvy runner who would thrive if given more to do.

The Bengals should seriously consider being the team that offers Green-Ellis an increased workload. He is capable of grinding out the tough yards between the tackles and can also use quick cuts and above-average initial burst to make gains on the perimeter.

He is a decent receiver with some big play capability, and really excels in the area of pass-blocking, thanks to a keen understanding of protection schemes and blitz pickups. Perhaps Green-Ellis's best trait is his knack for finding the end zone, evidenced by 24 touchdowns in the past two seasons.

There may be some concern that he is nothing more than a product of Brady and the Patriots system, but Green-Ellis is an underrated talent, young enough to prove any doubters wrong.

Few of the backs on this list would offer the 25-30 carry workhorse capability and style that Benson did. However, this is now Dalton's offense, and a new runner should be recruited based on a wider ranging skill set and the ability to complement the young passer.