CINCINNATI (AP) — Free-agent running back Cedric Benson decided on Tuesday to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals, who gave him the chance to resurrect his career last season.

Benson accepted a two-year deal from the Bengals, who liked what he did late last season and wanted him to stay as their top running back.

Signing Benson became a big priority for the league’s lowest-rated offense after right tackle Stacy Andrews and top receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh turned down offers to stay. Andrews signed with the Eagles, and Houshmandzadeh chose to play for the Seahawks. Cincinnati also lost backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to Buffalo.

Benson visited the Houston Texans on Monday, but chose to stay with the Bengals in part because they offered him a chance to start. The Texans were looking for someone to back up Steve Slaton, who ran for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Benson was one of the few bright spots on offense for a team that went 4-11-1 last season. The 26-year-old running back will be the centerpiece of an offense that’s being overhauled to concentrate more on the running game.

Benson was Chicago’s first-round pick and the fourth overall in the 2005 draft, but didn’t pan out and was released following two arrests in Texas involving alcohol.