Reports: BenJarvus Green-Ellis Drawing Interest From Bengals, Could Spell End to Patriots Tenure

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Mar 14, 2012

Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis might be close on a new home.

Green-Ellis will visit the Bengals, according to multiple reports, and there is believed to be a second team showing interest in the four-year veteran. Speculation has pointed toward the Chiefs as that mystery team.

The Patriots spent second- and third-round picks on running backs in last year’s draft, so they could be poised to roll with Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley in 2012. Danny Woodhead is also under contract and played one of the best games of his career in Super Bowl XLVI, and Kevin Faulk still hasn’t decided about a possible retirement.

The logic seems simple. If Green-Ellis can earn starting-caliber money — which he probably deserves after posting 1,675 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons — the Patriots will let him walk. But if the Patriots can retain him with the salary of a role player, it will work.

Since Green-Ellis is exploring other opportunities, it looks like the Patriots might take a backseat in this process.

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