Despite the fact that there hasn’t been any free agent movement due to the NFL Lockout, some things are becoming pretty clear about the 2011 Bengals.

The team has made resigning free agent running back their top priority and appears to be set to move on without the services of wide receiver Chad Ochocinco and quarterback Carson Palmer, who has said he’ll retire before returning to Cincinnati to play another season for the Bengals.

The Bengals first two picks of the 2011 NFL draft, wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton, indicate just that.

Once the lockout ends, the team will need to sure up its running game and hopes to have Benson back. However, it won’t come cheap as the running back alluded to in an interview this week.

“I think I’m deserving of that I just hope a couple teams feel the same way. It would be nice if it would be the Bengals, they drafted a quarterback in the second round and have young receivers, they’re going to need a horse in there,” Benson said on Sirius NFL Radio’s Late Hits show with Bryan McGovern and Maurice Jones Drew.

How much is Benson worth?  The Bengals got him on the scrap pile and a got a great deal when they first brought him to town a few years back and the two-year deal at $7 million signed after the 2008 season. However, I’m not sure they should break the bank for him on a multi-year deal given his age.

NFL cincinnati bengals, cedric benson, carson palmer, chad ochocinco, aj green, andy dalton