Bengals Could Fix Big Weakness With Recently Released Free Agent

The Cincinnati Bengals already have a lot of bodies in their running back room, but an unexpected name on waivers could be too intriguing to ignore.

The Arizona Cardinals waived Trey Benson with an injury designation on Monday. If Benson clears waivers, he will revert to Arizona's injured reserve. The Bengals should at least consider placing a claim on the former third-round pick.

Benson's current knee injury obviously has to factor into the equation. If the Bengals are comfortable with his medical outlook, though, there is enough talent and long-term potential to justify adding him to an already crowded position group.

Benson Offers More Upside Than Most Waiver Options

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For starters, the Cardinals selected Benson with the No. 66 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, following an impressive career at Florida State.

Injuries have clearly kept him from establishing himself as a major part of the team's offense, but Benson has been productive when given opportunities. He has rushed for 451 yards on 92 carries over two seasons, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.

Last season, Benson was even more efficient in limited action, averaging 5.5 yards per carry on 29 attempts. Durability has been his issue. He only appeared in four games.

Landing with the Bengals could be an ideal scenario for a player like Benson, who is trying to re-establish himself after a rough start to his NFL career. Chase Brown is firmly established atop the depth chart, with veteran Samaje Perine providing experience behind him.

The Bengals also have Tahj Brooks, Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrel Bullock, and Jamal Haynes competing for reserve roles.

Brooks is the favorite for the third running back job behind Brown and Perine. Benson could come in and compete for that job.

Brooks — and a surplus of training camp bodies — shouldn't keep the Bengals from pursuing a player with Benson's profile.

Benson, still just 24 years old, was considered one of the more talented backs in the 2024 draft class and has shown flashes of legitimate impact at the NFL level. Players with that combination of age and talent don't typically become available during roster cutdown season.

The biggest question is Benson's health.

The Cardinals' decision to waive him with an injury designation means the Bengals would have to determine whether the knee issue is worth inheriting. If the Bengals believe Benson can return to full strength, however, his long-term upside could outweigh the value of keeping another depth option already on the roster.

Simply put, Benson could be one of the more interesting players available on the waiver wire this week. The Bengals' front office should, at the very least, consider what he could bring to their team.

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