"Even though he reached 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons for the first time, it was one of the more frustrating seasons of Cedric Benson's career.

It's no secret that last year the Bengals got away from the power running game that made them successful in 2009. Without a fullback for most of the season and a scheme that was more concentrated on throwing downfield, Benson averaged more than half a yard less per carry (3.5 compared to 4.2 in '09) and only three 100-yard games.

With Jay Gruden replacing Bob Bratkowski as offensive coordinator, Benson, who will be an unrestricted free agent whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, is receptive to returning to the Bengals for a fourth season especially after a recent 90-minute conversation with Gruden.

"We had an interesting conversation about a lot of things," Benson said. "We have a lot of things in common as far as the way we see the game."

With the Bengals ready to move on from Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens not returning and Chad Ochocinco's future in doubt, Benson is the offense's biggest free agent and possibly lone skill position player from last season's opening week lineup who might be back.

Considering that the Bengals could also have a young or unproven quarterback under center in Week 1, they're also going to need a physical back to take the pressure off.

Even with the possibility of Benson leaving, the Bengals did not decide to place the franchise tag on him which would have been close to $9 million.

Said Gruden of Benson: "I would love to have him back. He's the type of guy who wants to do well and that's what we need. A physical back we can hand the ball to 20 to 25 times a game if we need to if we have the young quarterback.""