Eagles do NOT sign LeCharles Bentley (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

LOL...right, one 6-10 season whereby the team is decimated by injury and deals with the TO fiasco = closing window? Are we forgetting the Eagles were the NFC favorites to win the SB entering last season? And they managed to win 11, 11, 12 and 12 games in the four seasons prior to TO coming aboard?

it was a good run

 

[Deranged Hermit]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

C'mon Aaron, you're smarter than that. I would be absolutely shocked is they didn't win 10-11 games this year. McNabb and Westbrook will be healthy, the Owens debacle will be a distant memory, they have a ton of cap room to play with, and they have a top 15 pick. I think all signs point to them taking that division back this year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

C'mon Aaron, you're smarter than that. I would be absolutely shocked is they didn't win 10-11 games this year. McNabb and Westbrook will be healthy, the Owens debacle will be a distant memory, they have a ton of cap room to play with, and they have a top 15 pick. I think all signs point to them taking that division back this year.

that division is much tougher now than it was when they were winning 10+ games/ year.

 

[Jason Wood]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

C'mon Aaron, you're smarter than that. I would be absolutely shocked is they didn't win 10-11 games this year. McNabb and Westbrook will be healthy, the Owens debacle will be a distant memory, they have a ton of cap room to play with, and they have a top 15 pick. I think all signs point to them taking that division back this year.

that division is much tougher now than it was when they were winning 10+ games/ year.

True, but how much tougher? The Cowboys are on tenuous ground with Bledsoe, and the Skins have major issues from a cap perspective. Personally I think we saw the very best of the Skins last year, whereas I think the Giants could continue to improve.

 

[jonessed]

Bentley will be courted by quite a few teams. It would surprise me if he didn't at least look into all of his options even if it is only to get Philly to match the highest price.

 

[BigTex]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

C'mon Aaron, you're smarter than that. I would be absolutely shocked is they didn't win 10-11 games this year. McNabb and Westbrook will be healthy, the Owens debacle will be a distant memory, they have a ton of cap room to play with, and they have a top 15 pick. I think all signs point to them taking that division back this year.

that division is much tougher now than it was when they were winning 10+ games/ year.

I agree with Aaron, it won't be as easy as you Eagle fans think and I think they "had" a great run, just like the Cowboys of the 90s and just like the Pats over the last few years. All good things can and will come to an end. As fans we hate to see and admit it especially when we come so close BUT, as it stand "today" the Eagles are younger than the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

C'mon Aaron, you're smarter than that. I would be absolutely shocked is they didn't win 10-11 games this year. McNabb and Westbrook will be healthy, the Owens debacle will be a distant memory, they have a ton of cap room to play with, and they have a top 15 pick. I think all signs point to them taking that division back this year.

that division is much tougher now than it was when they were winning 10+ games/ year.

I agree with Aaron, it won't be as easy as you Eagle fans think and I think they "had" a great run, just like the Cowboys of the 90s and just like the Pats over the last few years. All good things can and will come to an end. As fans we hate to see and admit it especially when we come so close BUT, as it stand "today" the Eagles are younger than the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins.

I'm not a fan, but I do live in Eagles country, thus I see almost every game they play. Last year was a smoke screen. The Eagles had everything go wrong that could and I personally think the division is not as good as most think. The Skins will be decimated by the cap, the Giants had problems when the League figured out how to play Eli and the Boys just aren't that good on offense (good defense though).

Am I saying that the division won't be more competitive than past years? Of course not, that'd be silly. I'm just saying that last year things were skewed because Philly had an off year. Think they'll go 0-8 in their division again? No, me either.

 

[BigTex]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...

Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

C'mon Aaron, you're smarter than that.

I would be absolutely shocked is they didn't win 10-11 games this year. McNabb and Westbrook will be healthy, the Owens debacle will be a distant memory, they have a ton of cap room to play with, and they have a top 15 pick. I think all signs point to them taking that division back this year.

that division is much tougher now than it was when they were winning 10+ games/ year.

I agree with Aaron, it won't be as easy as you Eagle fans think and I think they "had" a great run, just like the Cowboys of the 90s and just like the Pats over the last few years. All good things can and will come to an end. As fans we hate to see and admit it especially when we come so close BUT, as it stand "today" the Eagles are younger than the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins.

I'm not a fan, but I do live in Eagles country, thus I see almost every game they play.

Last year was a smoke screen. The Eagles had everything go wrong that could and I personally think the division is not as good as most think. The Skins will be decimated by the cap, the Giants had problems when the League figured out how to play Eli and the Boys just aren't that good on offense (good defense though).

Am I saying that the division won't be more competitive than past years? Of course not, that'd be silly. I'm just saying that last year things were skewed because Philly had an off year. Think they'll go 0-8 in their division again? No, me either.

I agree with some things you're saying and you make some good points but the points can be made by all the teams in the division. For instance, the Cowboys had one of if not the top passing offense in the NFL before the OL got killed by injuries, thus giving all Cowboys fans hopes for the following season.

So what I'm saying is we all have something we can hang our hat on. And let's not forget, before the injuries and problems the Eagles were having, they got murdered by the Cowboys. Again, something we can look at and say why we'll be competitive in the division.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

LOL...right, one 6-10 season whereby the team is decimated by injury and deals with the TO fiasco = closing window? Are we forgetting the Eagles were the NFC favorites to win the SB entering last season? And they managed to win 11, 11, 12 and 12 games in the four seasons prior to TO coming aboard?

Sshhhh the sports books are listening....

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I'm not a fan, but I do live in Eagles country, thus I see almost every game they play.

Last year was a smoke screen. The Eagles had everything go wrong that could and I personally think the division is not as good as most think. The Skins will be decimated by the cap, the Giants had problems when the League figured out how to play Eli and the Boys just aren't that good on offense (good defense though).

Am I saying that the division won't be more competitive than past years? Of course not, that'd be silly. I'm just saying that last year things were skewed because Philly had an off year. Think they'll go 0-8 in their division again? No, me either.

0-6, for the record, but point taken.What is overlooked is that the "4th place schedule" will kick in next year.

Philly plays Green Bay, New Orleans, Houston, Tennessee, and San Francisco next year.

Even a 3-3 divisional record would likely mean the playoffs for Philly next season.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I'm not a fan, but I do live in Eagles country, thus I see almost every game they play.

Last year was a smoke screen. The Eagles had everything go wrong that could and I personally think the division is not as good as most think. The Skins will be decimated by the cap, the Giants had problems when the League figured out how to play Eli and the Boys just aren't that good on offense (good defense though).

Am I saying that the division won't be more competitive than past years? Of course not, that'd be silly. I'm just saying that last year things were skewed because Philly had an off year. Think they'll go 0-8 in their division again? No, me either.

0-6, for the record, but point taken.What is overlooked is that the "4th place schedule" will kick in next year.

Philly plays Green Bay, New Orleans, Houston, Tennessee, and San Francisco next year.

Even a 3-3 divisional record would likely mean the playoffs for Philly next season.

Doh! Force of habit from the 'old days'.I was actually just going to post exactly what you did, but I got stuck doing something at work. Anyone who doesn't think they'll sweep the 5 teams you mentioned needs their head examined. GB might keep it close if Favre comes back, but the rest are the bottom feeders of the NFL. I mean, you know you have a favorable schedule when you play the teams with 5 of the first 6 picks of the draft.

 

[cstu]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

Closing on them how? They have a Pro Bowl QB and a team that knows how make smart salary cap decisions. I see no reason why the Eagles won't be contenders until McNabb retires.

 

[cstu]

The Eagles much have offered him a huge bonus ($15M+) to get a deal done before FA even opens.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Eagles much have offered him a huge bonus ($15M+) to get a deal done before FA even opens.

VIOLATION!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

Closing on them how? They have a Pro Bowl QB and a team that knows how make smart salary cap decisions. I see no reason why the Eagles won't be contenders until McNabb retires.

is it common for teams to average about 12 wins/season over a 5 year period, go 6-10, and then rebound to Super Bowl contender?btw, I said "MAY be closing"

of course they are still a well run organization with quality coaches and talent in place, but things won't be as easy for them as they used to be.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I agree with Aaron. The Eagles have problems. They also have $ under the cap so maybe they can solve some in Free Agency.

McNabb and Westbrook do not an offense make. McNabb is suffering serious confidence issues and has a poor receiving crew to work with. Reggie Brown, Greg Lewis and Todd Pinkston will NOT get it done. Westbrook is more than a 3rd down back but less than a workhorse. Right now the OL has many holes.

They have no pass rush. They need Kearse to revert to his old self. Will it happen? Somewhat doubtful. They need Jerome McDougal to be healthy and prove he can play. Even more doubtful.

They have a MLB and nothing else at that level. They are still looking for a WLB and a SLB. They have a good secondary that is losing confidence because the lack of a pass rush is causing them to have to cover for too long.

The Eagles have a lot of questions to be answered before I anoint them an 11 win team again.

 

[Englishteacher]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

Ummmm, I think I'd rather sign with the Birds than Cleveland.

 

[mozzy84]

They won't get him. Cleveland will. They have the need, the money and Bentley wants to come home to the Brownies.

The Eagles don't have the need or the money?

RR you are missing one of the key points, namely that he wants to come home to Cleveland. Philly may have 2 of the 3 but the 3rd could be a biggie.

Hey Chaos...just to be clear, are you suggesting these reports are completely erroneous?

I don't know about completely erroneous, but Bentley was on the record for saying that he wanted to get back to Cleveland when he knew the Saints weren't tagging him. So considering that Cleveland wants him and has lots of cash, I find it very hard to beleive that he would simply forgo that possibility without so much as a meeting. If Cleveland means nothing, logic would at least say that he meets with them to drive his price up before signing with another team.

Valid points. Ultimately I think Bentley has to decide between...Going Home + Big $$$

Winning Now + Big $$$

We'll see

the Eagles window may be closing...not even sure winning now is a valid selling point

Closing on them how? They have a Pro Bowl QB and a team that knows how make smart salary cap decisions. I see no reason why the Eagles won't be contenders until McNabb retires.

I think the window closed last year. Mcnabb is not that great, he needs more help than what they have and can get, plus it would help if he could stay healthy. no running game, no good recievers, defense not even close to what it used to be. Other teams have simply caught up to them.

 

[TCFF]

Thankfully the Eagles won't need the Pats anointment to get back to 11 wins. The Eagles have a great core and while they do have a handful of needs they have the cap space and draft picks to address most of the issues as some of them will be cheap. I agree they must address both O and D line as well as WR. It appears that they will do both. Trent Cole, actually came on a bit a DE toward the end of the season, so with a year to improve and an upgrade at DT the pass rush should improve and I would imagine defense will be a focus of the draft. LB is a need, but there are more LBs available in Free agency than practically any other position. Finally, Philly will need to add a between the tackles back to complement Westbrook. Mike Anderson would look great in an Eagles jersey and would not be very expensive. The Birds will need to patch a few holes, but the basis for 11 wins is still there: McNabb, Westbrook, solid TE, decent WR2 and 3, Trotter, Kearse(who should bounce back with other defensive upgrades in place), and a great secondary. To top it off they get the cupcake 4th place schedule and it appears like they are well on the way to helping the O Line by signing Bentley.

 

[railman305]

im thinking fraley is gone, and they keep jamaal jackson as the backup

if this happens its great news

 

[Pat Patriot]

Thankfully the Eagles won't need the Pats anointment to get back to 11 wins. The Eagles have a great core and while they do have a handful of needs they have the cap space and draft picks to address most of the issues as some of them will be cheap. I agree they must address both O and D line as well as WR. It appears that they will do both. Trent Cole, actually came on a bit a DE toward the end of the season, so with a year to improve and an upgrade at DT the pass rush should improve and I would imagine defense will be a focus of the draft. LB is a need, but there are more LBs available in Free agency than practically any other position. Finally, Philly will need to add a between the tackles back to complement Westbrook. Mike Anderson would look great in an Eagles jersey and would not be very expensive. The Birds will need to patch a few holes, but the basis for 11 wins is still there: McNabb, Westbrook, solid TE, decent WR2 and 3, Trotter, Kearse(who should bounce back with other defensive upgrades in place), and a great secondary. To top it off they get the cupcake 4th place schedule and it appears like they are well on the way to helping the O Line by signing Bentley.

Keep convincing yourself of this 4th place schedule nonsense. There are only 2 games that vary in schedule from team to team. EVERY teams schedule is made up the same:6 division games

4 games against desighated AFC division

4 games against designated NFC division

2 other conference games determined by division finish

If you think those games are the 2 that put you over the hump for a "cupcake" schedule then have at it.

The Eagles will be an 8-8, 9-7 team this year.

 

[ChampBailey24]

Ah comon. The eagles had a bad season last year but they will bounce back. Lito Sheppard, Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook and David Akers were hurt. All of these players are in the best of the leagues at their respective position. Now, with no Terrell Owens disturbing the team and a top 15 pick, don't tell me they won't win 10 games.

 

[Bankerguy]

I think he is a bit over rated. Glad to see the E-Girls involved. I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

 

[wadegarrett]

I think he is a bit over rated. Glad to see the E-Girls involved. I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

 

[Jason Wood]

I think he is a bit over rated.  Glad to see the E-Girls involved.  I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

We'll have to see how much Bentley is signed for; but if the Eagles [or another team] gives him the equivalent of $6mm or more per year, I think that's overpaying regardless of the fact he's the league's best center.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Thankfully the Eagles won't need the Pats anointment to get back to 11 wins. The Eagles have a great core and while they do have a handful of needs they have the cap space and draft picks to address most of the issues as some of them will be cheap. I agree they must address both O and D line as well as WR. It appears that they will do both. Trent Cole, actually came on a bit a DE toward the end of the season, so with a year to improve and an upgrade at DT the pass rush should improve and I would imagine defense will be a focus of the draft. LB is a need, but there are more LBs available in Free agency than practically any other position. Finally, Philly will need to add a between the tackles back to complement Westbrook. Mike Anderson would look great in an Eagles jersey and would not be very expensive. The Birds will need to patch a few holes, but the basis for 11 wins is still there: McNabb, Westbrook, solid TE, decent WR2 and 3, Trotter, Kearse(who should bounce back with other defensive upgrades in place), and a great secondary. To top it off they get the cupcake 4th place schedule and it appears like they are well on the way to helping the O Line by signing Bentley.

Keep convincing yourself of this 4th place schedule nonsense. There are only 2 games that vary in schedule from team to team. EVERY teams schedule is made up the same:6 division games

4 games against desighated AFC division

4 games against designated NFC division

2 other conference games determined by division finish

If you think those games are the 2 that put you over the hump for a "cupcake" schedule then have at it.

The Eagles will be an 8-8, 9-7 team this year.

For the record:

What is overlooked is that the "4th place schedule" will kick in next year.

Philly plays Green Bay, New Orleans, Houston, Tennessee, and San Francisco next year.

Even a 3-3 divisional record would likely mean the playoffs for Philly next season.

It is not so much the two different games that they will play (Green Bay and San Fran), but also the three other teams drafting in the first hour on April 29th. As for two games not mattering much, how often did we hear about a certain team's 9th home game last year?

 

[wadegarrett]

I think he is a bit over rated.  Glad to see the E-Girls involved.  I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

We'll have to see how much Bentley is signed for; but if the Eagles [or another team] gives him the equivalent of $6mm or more per year, I think that's overpaying regardless of the fact he's the league's best center...

...who can also play either Guard position.Overpaying something like that isn't possible.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

We'll have to see how much Bentley is signed for; but if the Eagles [or another team] gives him the equivalent of $6mm or more per year, I think that's overpaying regardless of the fact he's the league's best center.

Did Matt Birk retire?

 

[Jason Wood]

We'll have to see how much Bentley is signed for; but if the Eagles [or another team] gives him the equivalent of $6mm or more per year, I think that's overpaying regardless of the fact he's the league's best center.

Did Matt Birk retire?

1) I should've said "that's overpaying even if he is the best center." There are certainly too many other good linemen to say Bentley is by far the best C in the league. He is, however, clearly the best available center and one of the best interior linemen to become a bonafide free agent in quite awhile.2) Matt Birk used to be a very good center, but it would be a difficult argument that he was ever the best center in the league. And he's certainly not that any longer with the injuries he's battled. Birk made the Pro Bowl four times, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004...Kevin Mawae made the Pro Bowl in each of those four years as well as 1999 and 2002 [six consecutive seasons].

In each of Birk's Pro Bowl years...another center took All Pro honors.

2000 -- Tom Nalen, Denver Broncos

2001 -- Kevin Mawae, NY Jets

2003 -- Barrett Robbins, Oakland Raiders

2004 -- Jeff Hartings, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

[FunkyPlutos]

We'll have to see how much Bentley is signed for; but if the Eagles [or another team] gives him the equivalent of $6mm or more per year, I think that's overpaying regardless of the fact he's the league's best center.

Did Matt Birk retire?

1) I should've said "that's overpaying even if he is the best center." There are certainly too many other good linemen to say Bentley is by far the best C in the league. He is, however, clearly the best available center and one of the best interior linemen to become a bonafide free agent in quite awhile.2) Matt Birk used to be a very good center, but it would be a difficult argument that he was ever the best center in the league. And he's certainly not that any longer with the injuries he's battled. Birk made the Pro Bowl four times, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004...Kevin Mawae made the Pro Bowl in each of those four years as well as 1999 and 2002 [six consecutive seasons].

In each of Birk's Pro Bowl years...another center took All Pro honors.

2000 -- Tom Nalen, Denver Broncos

2001 -- Kevin Mawae, NY Jets

2003 -- Barrett Robbins, Oakland Raiders

2004 -- Jeff Hartings, Pittsburgh Steelers

I understand...as a Viking fan, and someone who watches every game, Birk is the most consistent and best player they have. He is by far my favorite player on the team - even when Moss was there - and is one of the most underrated players in the league. Of course, as a coach, I place a TON of emphasis on the offensive line, so I may be a little biased. Yes, I know it is all opinion but just had to throw that out there - I just like the guy so much as a player and even more as a person! (can you say manlove?)

 

[psychobillies]

Bentley denies reports

Looks like this isn't over yet. Except of course for the Saints.

 

[Slider]

Bentley denies reports

Looks like this isn't over yet. Except of course for the Saints.

Neither him or the Eagles can confirm or it would be tampering. Of course he's gonna deny it.

 

[R.White]

Bentley denies reports

Looks like this isn't over yet. Except of course for the Saints.

Neither him or the Eagles can confirm or it would be tampering. Of course he's gonna deny it.

Exactly what came to my mind as well RW

 

[psychobillies]

Bentley denies reports

Looks like this isn't over yet.  Except of course for the Saints.

Neither him or the Eagles can confirm or it would be tampering. Of course he's gonna deny it.

Exactly what came to my mind as well RW

Yeah probably so, but it just doesn't seem like anybody is real worried about tampering here. If it really is a punishable offense, then why isn't anybody going after the Eagles for what is obvious tampering regardless of what the player says?

 

[Bankerguy]

I think he is a bit over rated.  Glad to see the E-Girls involved.  I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

"Pro Bowlers" I believe the term gets over used. Example...Larry Allen was also a "Pro Bowler" last year. I didn't say he wasn't good, just over rated. I hope the Eagles overpay in the 6-7 million range.I stand by the fact he is not worth this kind of $$$.

 

[Slider]

Bentley denies reports

Looks like this isn't over yet. Except of course for the Saints.

Neither him or the Eagles can confirm or it would be tampering. Of course he's gonna deny it.

Exactly what came to my mind as well RW

Yeah probably so, but it just doesn't seem like anybody is real worried about tampering here. If it really is a punishable offense, then why isn't anybody going after the Eagles for what is obvious tampering regardless of what the player says?

They can never prove it as long as player and team never confirm it. Pretty simple to figure out why it happens every year.

 

[R.White]

Someone in the league must have called the NFL office in regards to a tampering charge involving Bentley. Otherwise he wouldn't have gone to the media so quick to refute the report. The Eagles may have secretly asked him to do it, to avoid losing any draft picks? It's rarely proven, but teams can lose money and/or draft picks if caught. Sounds like the Eagles were close to being caught. Either way Bentley will be an Eagle Monday.

RW

 

[Chaos]

LOL at some of you guys. Lets see here

1st Bentley expresses public interest in going home to the Browns

2nd Browns have need and money to spend

3rd some Philly reporter says Bentley going to the Eagles

4th Bentley denies Philly rumors

Based on the above, it only makes sense that he is going to the Eagles right?? haha

Whether or not he ends up in Browns orange or on some other team I think logic says nothing is imminent on Monday but I guess we will see.

 

[Jason Wood]

LOL at some of you guys. Lets see here

1st Bentley expresses public interest in going home to the Browns

2nd Browns have need and money to spend

3rd some Philly reporter says Bentley going to the Eagles

4th Bentley denies Philly rumors

Based on the above, it only makes sense that he is going to the Eagles right?? haha

Whether or not he ends up in Browns orange or on some other team I think logic says nothing is imminent on Monday but I guess we will see.

Many of us, myself included, have said repeatedly that you can't believe it until he signs on the dotted line. The reports were explicit and lacked any hint of conjecture, but that's something to blame the writer for, if he doesn't become an Eagle than hopefully the writer's editor will take him to task.

 

[JetMaxx]

I think he is a bit over rated.  Glad to see the E-Girls involved.  I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

"Pro Bowlers" I believe the term gets over used. Example...Larry Allen was also a "Pro Bowler" last year. I didn't say he wasn't good, just over rated. I hope the Eagles overpay in the 6-7 million range.I stand by the fact he is not worth this kind of $$$.

When is a player that switches teams in early in FA truly worth what he receives? The new team almost always overpays to acquire a top player, or in some cases just an above average player. This happened when the Eagles signed Runyan a few years back. Was he worth what they paid at the time? Doubtful. But he solidified the RT position and rounded out the OL when it was desperately needed after years of poor play. He thereby provided above average play and solid leadership for 5 yrs. In hindsight was Runyan worth it? IMO yes.

Going forward to today, the situation with the Eagles and Bentley is similar in the sense that a dominant presence and stability for the interior OL is sorely needed. To overpay to get it for a guy like Bentley who is young, of good character, and one of the top players at his position is worth it IMO.

 

[Chaos]

I think he is a bit over rated.  Glad to see the E-Girls involved.  I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

"Pro Bowlers" I believe the term gets over used. Example...Larry Allen was also a "Pro Bowler" last year. I didn't say he wasn't good, just over rated. I hope the Eagles overpay in the 6-7 million range.I stand by the fact he is not worth this kind of $$$.

When is a player that switches teams in early in FA truly worth what he receives? The new team almost always overpays to acquire a top player, or in some cases just an above average player. This happened when the Eagles signed Runyan a few years back. Was he worth what they paid at the time? Doubtful. But he solidified the RT position and rounded out the OL when it was desperately needed after years of poor play. He thereby provided above average play and solid leadership for 5 yrs. In hindsight was Runyan worth it? IMO yes.

Going forward to today, the situation with the Eagles and Bentley is similar in the sense that a dominant presence and stability for the interior OL is sorely needed. To overpay to get it for a guy like Bentley who is young, of good character, and one of the top players at his position is worth it IMO.

Indeed.IMO, he is not overated anyway. He is a force in the middle who is physical and strong enough to move the point of attack even with a NT over him. That is why I beleive the Browns are targeting him and will eventually get him.

Faine I hope they can move to a team like Denver or now Houston who utilizes smaller, more finesse players.

 

[cstu]

I think he is a bit over rated. Glad to see the E-Girls involved. I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

"Pro Bowlers" I believe the term gets over used. Example...Larry Allen was also a "Pro Bowler" last year. I didn't say he wasn't good, just over rated. I hope the Eagles overpay in the 6-7 million range.I stand by the fact he is not worth this kind of $$$.

When is a player that switches teams in early in FA truly worth what he receives? The new team almost always overpays to acquire a top player, or in some cases just an above average player. This happened when the Eagles signed Runyan a few years back. Was he worth what they paid at the time? Doubtful. But he solidified the RT position and rounded out the OL when it was desperately needed after years of poor play. He thereby provided above average play and solid leadership for 5 yrs. In hindsight was Runyan worth it? IMO yes.

Going forward to today, the situation with the Eagles and Bentley is similar in the sense that a dominant presence and stability for the interior OL is sorely needed. To overpay to get it for a guy like Bentley who is young, of good character, and one of the top players at his position is worth it IMO.

Thomas Jones - 4 years/$10 million including $3.5 millon bonus.

 

[Slider]

LOL at some of you guys. Lets see here

1st Bentley expresses public interest in going home to the Browns

2nd Browns have need and money to spend

3rd some Philly reporter says Bentley going to the Eagles

4th Bentley denies Philly rumors

Based on the above, it only makes sense that he is going to the Eagles right?? haha

Whether or not he ends up in Browns orange or on some other team I think logic says nothing is imminent on Monday but I guess we will see.

Bentley said on Sirius NFL network his 1st choice is the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn't name a 2nd choice and he said it 3 times. Good enough for me.

 

[JetMaxx]

I think he is a bit over rated.  Glad to see the E-Girls involved.  I hope they overpay.....7 mil a year would be great.

Yep. I'd never want a two-time 27 year-old Pro Bowler on my team.

"Pro Bowlers" I believe the term gets over used. Example...Larry Allen was also a "Pro Bowler" last year. I didn't say he wasn't good, just over rated. I hope the Eagles overpay in the 6-7 million range.I stand by the fact he is not worth this kind of $$$.

When is a player that switches teams in early in FA truly worth what he receives? The new team almost always overpays to acquire a top player, or in some cases just an above average player. This happened when the Eagles signed Runyan a few years back. Was he worth what they paid at the time? Doubtful. But he solidified the RT position and rounded out the OL when it was desperately needed after years of poor play. He thereby provided above average play and solid leadership for 5 yrs. In hindsight was Runyan worth it? IMO yes.

Going forward to today, the situation with the Eagles and Bentley is similar in the sense that a dominant presence and stability for the interior OL is sorely needed. To overpay to get it for a guy like Bentley who is young, of good character, and one of the top players at his position is worth it IMO.

Thomas Jones - 4 years/$10 million including $3.5 millon bonus.

Now you say that. But at the time he was a part time player in TB who couldn't stay healthy. The Bears overpaid an average player, a risk that paid off. Jones proves my point.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Bentley said on Sirius NFL network his 1st choice is the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn't name a 2nd choice and he said it 3 times. Good enough for me.

I didn't hear the Sirius interview, but this is from another board: "bentley was on sirius radio and they asked him where he'd like to go and he mentioned san diego first because of [offensive line coach jack] henry."

 

[HeirCoryell]

I didn't hear the Sirius interview, but this is from another board: "bentley was on sirius radio and they asked him where he'd like to go and he mentioned san diego first because of [offensive line coach jack] henry."

Sounds good to me. Go Bolts!

 

[Balco]

Great signing by the Eagles if this is true, which seems likely. I wish the PAckers made a play.

26 year old, pro bowl caliber center/guard. He is really going to help the interior of that Eagles line.

 

[Chaos]

Apparently the Eagles are going to be cited in connection with every free agent Center. See Below. This just proves (to me anyway) how unsubstantiated these rumors really are.

Eagles Eyeing Mawae --

Tue Mar 7, 2006 --from FFMastermind.com

New York Newsday reports agent Mark Bartelstein said several teams called yesterday with interest in his client, free-agent C Kevin Mawae (Jets), and one is believed to be the Eagles. Mawae, regarded as the best center in the NFL for most of his time with the Jets, said he's fully recovered from the torn left triceps that ended his 2005 season.

 

[Spike]

Isnt this basically an admission of huge tampering by the eagles.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!I've been wondering how teams could sign a player at 12:01am of the first day of free agency and tampering charges not be raised and enforced.

 

[cstu]

Isnt this basically an admission of huge tampering by the eagles.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!I've been wondering how teams could sign a player at 12:01am of the first day of free agency and tampering charges not be raised and enforced.

The teams who have the player under contract don't care, or at least not enough to cause trouble.