RB Cedric Benson still unsigned but has 'no idea' why

It's unclear at this point if Benson will resume his career.

Running back Cedric Benson has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in the past three seasons while scoring at least six touchdowns per year. But the fact he remains a free agent boggles the mind. Well, it boggles Benson's mind.

"I have no idea,” Benson told Sirius XM NFL radio (via Nick Kostos) when he was asked why he's still unsigned. “I'm at a loss for words."

That's not to say a few teams haven't shown interest, because Benson also claimed that the Packers and the Raiders have contacted him. But he also said none of the inquiries have been serious.

Co-host Rich Gannon said Benson would be well served to pick up the phone himself and make calls directly to teams, and Benson agreed that it would be a good idea. About 30 minutes into the interview, Benson got emotional and Kostos wrote that it sounded as if he was crying. Benson later confirmed he was emotional because nobody had acquired his services and because he loves the game so much.

But here's perhaps one reason Benson hasn't been signed. He said he's not willing to sign for the veteran's minimum salary, because he feels like he's worth more based on his production the past three years.

For that, it's hard to blame him. But the fact is that Benson has averaged 298 carries per season since 2009, and he'll turn 30 at the end of this year. For any running back not named Fred Jackson, that 30-year mark with that many carries is a bad omen.

Perhaps Benson can wait until training camp and hope that he can fill the need of a team who is short on running backs. But at this point, he's much closer to the end of his career than his prime. And if he's not willing to accept the minimum, he might be really close to retirement.

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