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Don’t hold your breath waiting for Cedric Benson to land with a team where he might contend for a starting job.

Michael Haynes, who played in Chicago at the same time as Benson, says that the former No. 4 overall pick is notoriously lazy – that’s why he wasn’t liked by his teammates.

“Cedric has always been lazy,” Haynes said in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. “Cedric was lazy when he first got to Chicago, and I guarantee you he is lazy now. It's the work ethic that a lot of teammates didn't like. When I was there and things didn't work out, I always showed up and I always worked hard. I tried really hard, and I never complained.”

The Bears released Benson last week, and he passed through waivers without any team picking him up – even though they could have had him for essentially a no-cost tryout in August. Benson was under contract for only $890,000 for the 2008 season.

Benson probably will sign with some team before training camp, but he’s unlikely to be handed a backup job. Most likely, he’ll have to try to latch on with a team that has at least two other viable running backs, meaning it could be difficult for him to win a roster spot. Like Shaun Alexander, Benson isn’t a good pass catcher and doesn’t contribute on special teams.

To read this story, which was written by Brad Biggs, go to the website of the Chicago Sun-Times.

—Ian Allan

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