Sources tell ESPN.com that the Bengals and Steelers are showing interest in free agent Beanie Wells.

The Bengals already have a plodding two-down back that runs to contact in BenJarvus Green-Ellis, so it would be an odd fit. The Steelers, meanwhile, would likely consider Wells an upgrade on Jonathan Dwyer. Although Beanie was a bust in Arizona, he's still just 24 and never appeared truly healthy. He's among the top-seven running backs available right now.

Cardinals informed RB Beanie Wells of his release.

Wells is only 24 and has never lacked for talent, but it's telling that the Cardinals cut him despite an affordable $1,407,500 base salary. Beanie is completely inept in the passing game and new coach Bruce Arians is a pass-first mind. The 31st overall pick in the 2009 draft, Wells' four-year Arizona career ends with one season of 200-plus carries, seemingly countless "nagging" injuries, and a pedestrian 4.0 YPC average. Wells will get another chance, but he's just another "guy" in a middling group of free-agent running backs.

New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians considers pass protection a "prerequisite" for running backs.

Beanie Wells remains a work in progress in pass protection, so his future with team is up in the air. Wells is an early-down plodder at this point, but new GM Steve Keim had some nice things to say about him. "Beanie is still a big horse who can finish runs and create yardage after contract, which is something that excites us," said Keim. Ryan Williams, a three-down back, seems to have a leg up in the backfield.

Beanie Wells triggered an escalator in his rookie deal, raising his 2013 salary from $1,157,500 to $1,407,500.

It's not a massive increase by any means, but with Wells' salary increasing and skills decreasing, it makes it easier for the Cardinals to cut ties with him. Wells toted the rock 88 times for just 234 yards (2.7 YPC) and five touchdowns in 2012, a year after rumbling for 1,047 yards and ten scores. Wells is entering the final year of his contract.

Beanie Wells is looking forward to a "fresh start" under head coach Bruce Arians.

Wells had a much-publicized fractured relationship with recently-fired coach Ken Whisenhunt that most recently manifested when Wells was benched after the Bears returned his fumble for a touchdown in Arizona's 28-13 loss to Chicago in the home finale. Interestingly, Arians gave no mention to Wells in his introductory news conference, instead praising his fellow Virginia Tech alum, Ryan Williams. Wells is entering the final year of his contract, and could be in for an uphill battle against Williams in camp.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt attributed to Beanie Wells' Week 17 benching to William Powell's hot hand and an abnormally high number of passing-down snaps after falling behind the 49ers.

We wonder if Whisenhunt made the comments with a straight face. Wells didn't get a single carry, which suggests last week's post-game outburst did indeed land him in the doghouse. Although Wells is under contract through 2013, the Arizona Republic suspects his relationship with the team "may be beyond repair." Much will depend on Whiz's fate this week.

Beanie Wells didn't receive a single carry in Week 17 versus the 49ers.

Wells ended up with no video to put on his "audition for 31 other teams" tape as he sat behind William Powell and La'Rod Stephens-Howling. Wells only started seven games in 2012 due to toe and knee injuries. He rushed 88 times for just 234 yards (2.7 YPC) and five touchdowns. Most of that production came in Week 15 against the Lions. Wells is signed for a cheap $1,157,500 in 2013, but he will almost certainly be let go. He's only 24 years old, but he ran like he was 34 this season. Wells is strictly a plodder at the moment, and he needs to search for the fountain of youth in the offseason. He is only one year removed from a 245-carry, 1,047-yard, ten-touchdown season in 2011, though.

Beat writer Kent Somers believes the "best option" for the Cardinals appears to be keeping Beanie Wells in 2013.

Wells suspects he'll be playing his final game as a Cardinal Sunday. But he's under contract for just $1.15 million in 2013 and the Cards don't exactly have a backup plan lined up. Ryan Williams is coming off two season-ending injuries, LaRod Stephens-Howling is an unrestricted free agent that will test the market and William Powell/Alfonso Smith are backup-caliber talents at best. Beanie could very well be forced to play out the final year of his rookie deal in Arizona.

After Sunday's Week 16 benching, Beanie Wells told reporters Monday that his "days are numbered" in Arizona.

Wells says he hopes to play in Week 17 in order to "audition for 31 other teams." Although Wells scored some late-season goal-line touchdowns, he was thoroughly ineffective this year with a 2.66 YPC average on 234 carries. His kind is also a dying breed in the NFL, as a two-down back lacking pass-game value. Wells probably wouldn't bring more than a late-round pick via trade.

Beanie Wells was benched in Week 16 against the Bears after rushing four times for three yards.

It was a nightmare game for anyone desperate enough to start Wells in fantasy title week. He fumbled at the Cardinals' own goal line in the first quarter, and it was recovered by the Bears for a touchdown. Wells played sparingly thereafter, as La'Rod Stephens-Howling (11-20) handled the rushing load. Wells' role will be uncertain entering Week 17 at San Francisco.