Bears Release RB Cedric Benson

The Chicago Bears have released RB Cedric Benson.

So, is anyone shocked? Benson lacked speed, the ability to break tackles, the ability to catch passes, and the willingness to be an effective pass blocker. He came into the league as a solid power RB prospect, and his lack of work ethic and desire finally caught up to him at the NFL level.

Fantasy Impact: Hello, Matt Forte. Barring a disaster in the preseason, Forte will be the every down RB for the Chicago Bears this season. He immediately becomes a solid value in the 3rd round, and depending on his involvement in the passing game, which the Bears say should be extensive, he'd be worth taking in the 2nd round. There are 2 concerns with Forte. First of all, the Bears passing attack will probably be mediocre at best, so it'll be interesting to see how that affects the running game. Secondly, the Bears are shaking up their offensive line. Rueben Brown and Fred Miller are both gone. John Tait kicks across the line to right tackle, and given Tait is a more proficient run blocker, this is a good thing. Terrance Metcalf will replace Brown, and given how horrible Brown was last year, this should be an upgrade. Rookie Chris Williams will man the left tackle position, and the total effectiveness of the line depends on how fast he transitions to the NFL level, plus how cohesive they will play given all the changes.

All in all, the Bears RB position with Forte is far more enticing in fantasy leagues that it ever would have been with Cedric Benson still there.