Saints aren't going to tag Bentley (1 Viewer)

[psychobillies]

Saints unlikely to put tag on Bentley

I would think that if we are bringing in a young QB, that protecting him would be a priority. I guess not. Looks like I overestimated our front office. This really sucks if you are a Saints fan. It's hard to watch a good player just walk away.



Anybody know why they wouldn't at least transition tag the guy and try to get something for him?

 

[BlueOnion]

I am going to have to knock .4 ppw (points per week) from my Deuce McCallister projections.

 

[ooofffaaa]

The Dolphins are going to be all over Bentley come March 3rd . . .

"Miami is prepared to add at least two quality veteran offensive linemen, with Damion McIntosh and Seth McKinney the most likely to be replaced. Among centers, Miami is intrigued by New Orleans free agent LeCharles Bentley, whom Dolphins GM Randy Mueller drafted when he was in New Orleans. Word is the Dolphins also would have interest in two possible salary-cap cuts: Jets center Kevin Mawae, 35, and Tennessee guard Benji Olson, 30."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/13929706.htm

 

[ExaltedOne]

I'd really like to see Bentley or Olson come to Washington.

 

[Finatic]

The Dolphins are going to be all over Bentley come March 3rd . . .

"Miami is prepared to add at least two quality veteran offensive linemen, with Damion McIntosh and Seth McKinney the most likely to be replaced. Among centers, Miami is intrigued by New Orleans free agent LeCharles Bentley, whom Dolphins GM Randy Mueller drafted when he was in New Orleans. Word is the Dolphins also would have interest in two possible salary-cap cuts: Jets center Kevin Mawae, 35, and Tennessee guard Benji Olson, 30."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/13929706.htm

Would love to see him in Aqua and Orange,but think he will command too much coin

 

[Bankerguy]

Dude wants 6 mil a year. I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him. Talented..yes. 6 Mil....NO!

 

[MLBrandow]

Someone will pay a king's ransom for a top 3 center

 

[UnknownCoach]

Dude wants 6 mil a year. I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him. Talented..yes. 6 Mil....NO!

I'd much rather my team spend 6 million on a top center than the market value of Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, Drew Brees, Kerry Collins, or most other skill players.

 

[ooofffaaa]

Dude wants 6 mil a year.  I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him.  Talented..yes.  6 Mil....NO!

I'd much rather my team spend 6 million on a top center than the market value of Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, Drew Brees, Kerry Collins, or most other skill players.

VERY well said and I agree 100%.It all starts up front.

 

[BigTex]

Dude wants 6 mil a year. I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him. Talented..yes. 6 Mil....NO!

He'll be a Cowboy.

 

[Ridgelake]

Dude wants 6 mil a year.  I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him.  Talented..yes.  6 Mil....NO!

He'll be a Cowboy.

I would not be at all surprised by that. Parcells did sign Mawae to mad jack when he was with teh Jets. So he has a history of going after top young centers.Of course, they will probably have to cut Larry Allen to fit Bentley under the cap. But at this point in their careers, I'd make that swap.

 

[Urinal Mint]

Say hello to Dallas, LeCharles.

 

[ooofffaaa]

Say hello to Dallas, LeCharles.

Not if Saban can help it.

 

[Kosar]

No link, but I've heard reports that we would like to come to Cleveland to be closer to home.

*********************

Never mind, found this...

Link

Though Andruzzi and Coleman did a decent job, there is still room to improve. This is why much talk is surfacing about the Browns making a move in free agency to sign a veteran guard. The name of All-Pro center/guard LeCharles Bentley keeps surfacing. Bentley is and unrestricted free agent with the New Orleans Saints and it looks like the marriage is headed for a divorce. Bentley has told friends that he would love to play in Cleveland. Bentley played his college ball at Ohio State and grew up in Ohio. The Browns will not be alone in their quest to sign Bentley though. The Miami Dolphins are said to be very interested in Bentley and would let him play center, his preferred position. More then likely the Browns would require Bentley to move to guard. The possibility does exist that the Browns would sign Bentley, have him play center and looks to move current center Jeff Faine. A draft day trade would not be out of the question and the Browns would acquire valuable draft picks that G.M. Phil Savage so desperately loves. Remember Faine was not a Savage pick, so trading him would hold no sentimental value to him.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

I hope he stays in the NFC

 

[Quez]

Word out of Tampa is that Simeon or DB will be on the way out. If this is true the Buc's may be able to afford him.

 

[jonessed]

There are a lot of teams that would cater to him. San Diego has $25MM to spend and AJ has stated that the OL is the first and foremost void he wants to fill.

 

[saintfool]

Dude wants 6 mil a year. I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him. Talented..yes. 6 Mil....NO!

I have to agree. He's talented but overpaying for him is just silly. Certainly, they are taking a chance but the Saints need to be smart about how they spend their money. With Brooks' cap hit staring them in the face, the prospect of Leinart's fat contract and a number of upgrades along the defensive side needed, the question of how and when you spend you money is critical.

 

[Bri]

Someone will pay a king's ransom for a top 3 center

this is one of the few things I think video games do well. Centers aren't a dime a dozen but yet you can usually get the top one in the draft much later than almost any position except K or P. I just saw position average top pick at some site, I'd swear C was late 2nd or early 3rd. HmmmAnyhow, Saints can let him walk and still draft the top C and feel OK about things. Payton's building his team and probably doesn't have his QB on the roster yet so I don't think Saint fans expect a winner NOW. They'll be time for a young C to develop.

Have the Bills still been playing that former Bronco out of position at C? Regardless they need line help and in the Buffalo cold, a powerful O line is pretty tough to beat/stop. The Cards have a good young C but due to injuries they had 4 or 5 different players play C last year. Signing Bentley would equal and end to this mess for these teams, so they could sign him and think the 6 mil isn't unreasonable as a solution to a prob. What would Arizona do with their good young C? Make him a backup, trade him...whatever just making a point.

Center is a very odd position. If a team wants the top C and is willing to take him a tad early to be sure to get him, they usually can. It's not that easy with most positions, as you know.

 

[Bri]

I have to agree. He's talented but overpaying for him is just silly. Certainly, they are taking a chance but the Saints need to be smart about how they spend their money. With Brooks' cap hit staring them in the face, the prospect of Leinart's fat contract and a number of upgrades along the defensive side needed, the question of how and when you spend you money is critical.

who do you want playing C in 06 saintfool?see a draft pick or UFA you like?

 

[saintfool]

I have to agree. He's talented but overpaying for him is just silly. Certainly, they are taking a chance but the Saints need to be smart about how they spend their money. With Brooks' cap hit staring them in the face, the prospect of Leinart's fat contract and a number of upgrades along the defensive side needed, the question of how and when you spend you money is critical.

who do you want playing C in 06 saintfool?see a draft pick or UFA you like?

i want bentley, of course, but overpaying for him is the issue. it's not as if the saints have said they won't pursue him. they just won't tag him, which is something he said he wouldn't like. i will be disappointed if he leaves but can respect the decision to not overpay.

 

[cstu]

There are a lot of teams that would cater to him. San Diego has $25MM to spend and AJ has stated that the OL is the first and foremost void he wants to fill.

Since they are letting Brees go and it will be Rivers first year starting, signing Bentley is the smartest thing they can do. I'll be very disappointed if they don't get him as it's huge need and money isn't an issue.

 

[Captain Blowhard]

Dude wants 6 mil a year. I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him. Talented..yes. 6 Mil....NO!

As that is what a transition tag would cost, then yes that is what he should expect to get at a minimum on the open market. And that should be rather easy to do.

 

[motor guy]

Is there any chance that Nick Mangold falls to the Saints' pick in the 2nd (#34)?

ray:

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

No link, but I've heard reports that we would like to come to Cleveland to be closer to home.

*********************

Never mind, found this...

Link

Though Andruzzi and Coleman did a decent job, there is still room to improve. This is why much talk is surfacing about the Browns making a move in free agency to sign a veteran guard. The name of All-Pro center/guard LeCharles Bentley keeps surfacing. Bentley is and unrestricted free agent with the New Orleans Saints and it looks like the marriage is headed for a divorce. Bentley has told friends that he would love to play in Cleveland. Bentley played his college ball at Ohio State and grew up in Ohio. The Browns will not be alone in their quest to sign Bentley though. The Miami Dolphins are said to be very interested in Bentley and would let him play center, his preferred position. More then likely the Browns would require Bentley to move to guard. The possibility does exist that the Browns would sign Bentley, have him play center and looks to move current center Jeff Faine. A draft day trade would not be out of the question and the Browns would acquire valuable draft picks that G.M. Phil Savage so desperately loves. Remember Faine was not a Savage pick, so trading him would hold no sentimental value to him.

I think this is the most logical fit for Bentley. The Browns are supposed to be $20 million under the cap for 2006. If Cleveland is serious about rebuilding this is a logical building block. Bentley returns home to lead a young and improving (maybe) offense.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Dude wants 6 mil a year. I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him. Talented..yes. 6 Mil....NO!

As that is what a transition tag would cost, then yes that is what he should expect to get at a minimum on the open market.

He might get that much, but not for that reason. The transition tag price is based on left tackle salaries. Bentley is a G/C. Also, if it were clear that a team would pay that much for him, the Saints would have slapped the tag on him, allowing them to trade him instead of letting him walk with no compensation. If anything, the fact that the Saints did not place the transition tag on him suggests that he won't get that amount on the open market.

 

[psychobillies]

Dude wants 6 mil a year.  I hope Dallas does not make this mistake and sign him.  Talented..yes.  6 Mil....NO!

As that is what a transition tag would cost, then yes that is what he should expect to get at a minimum on the open market.

He might get that much, but not for that reason. The transition tag price is based on left tackle salaries. Bentley is a G/C. Also, if it were clear that a team would pay that much for him, the Saints would have slapped the tag on him, allowing them to trade him instead of letting him walk with no compensation. If anything, the fact that the Saints did not place the transition tag on him suggests that he won't get that amount on the open market.

That's assuming of course that Loomis knows what he's doing.

 

[Red Herring]

I have no idea of the Giants cap situation, but I would think getting a center for Eli would be a priority. Shaun O'Hara shouldn't be in the middle. I agree with Bri, the Bills could use him also, then Teague could move to LT and the Mike Williams experiment can end.

 

[Kirby]

The Dolphins missed out on Kruetz a couple of years ago... please do not miss out on this guy!

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

I think he's a lock for a Cardinal Uniform.

 

[Bailiver]

Word out of Tampa is that Simeon or DB will be on the way out. If this is true the Buc's may be able to afford him.

This article makes it seem that Rice is going to be a Buc next year.

INDIANAPOLIS - Some Bucs will be salary cap casualties as the team strives to comply by the March3 deadline. One who appears unlikely to be among that group is defensive end Simeon Rice.

Rice's agent, Tom Condon, said Wednesday the Bucs have not approached him regarding Rice's contract even though Condon said Rice will count more than $10-million against the 2006 salary cap.

Condon's comments mesh with recent statements from general manager Bruce Allen that indicate the Bucs might be comfortable with Rice's price tag in relation to his production.

Allen was unavailable for comment.

There has been speculation Rice could be cut or approached for a contract restructure as the Bucs trim as much as $19-million in salary. But Rice likely would not be amenable. When the issue of a restructuring was raised with Condon, he responded, "Who's had the most sacks in the NFL the last four years?" That would be Rice, who has 561/2 since 2002, including 14 in 2005, third in the league. Rice might not be a topic, but Condon and Allen have plenty to talk about as the scouting combine begins today. Among Condon's other clients are Bucs offensive lineman Kenyatta Walker and defensive lineman Chris Hovan, who are scheduled to become free agents. Condon said the Bucs have interest in both. However, it's likely both will test the waters. Regarding Walker, who has had an up-and-down tenure in Tampa Bay, Condon said, "He's played through the five years of his contract. I think he'd like to take a look at free agency and see what's out there."

Walker had arguably his best season as a Buc despite some uneven performances. With the Bucs likely to move forward with left-handed Chris Simms at quarterback, right tackle takes on greater importance. Whether the Bucs can find an inexpensive but reliable option through the draft or free agency is debatable, so re-signing Walker is a possibility.

The Bucs have had discussions with Condon regarding Hovan, who appears to be in the Bucs' plans but could have several suitors. Condon echoed the sentiments Hovan shared at the end of the season, that he is comfortable in Tampa Bay's system and would like to return.

Allen has several meetings planned with other agents this week, including the representatives of fullback Mike Alstott, who is leaning toward playing another season if the Bucs are interested.

Link

 

[slinky]

No link, but I've heard reports that we would like to come to Cleveland to be closer to home.

*********************

Never mind, found this...

Link

Though Andruzzi and Coleman did a decent job, there is still room to improve. This is why much talk is surfacing about the Browns making a move in free agency to sign a veteran guard. The name of All-Pro center/guard LeCharles Bentley keeps surfacing. Bentley is and unrestricted free agent with the New Orleans Saints and it looks like the marriage is headed for a divorce. Bentley has told friends that he would love to play in Cleveland. Bentley played his college ball at Ohio State and grew up in Ohio. The Browns will not be alone in their quest to sign Bentley though. The Miami Dolphins are said to be very interested in Bentley and would let him play center, his preferred position. More then likely the Browns would require Bentley to move to guard. The possibility does exist that the Browns would sign Bentley, have him play center and looks to move current center Jeff Faine. A draft day trade would not be out of the question and the Browns would acquire valuable draft picks that G.M. Phil Savage so desperately loves. Remember Faine was not a Savage pick, so trading him would hold no sentimental value to him.

I would love to see Bentley in Cleveland!! With the hometown roots and Cleveland's cap room, this would be an excellent move!! C'mon Phil!!!

 

[ExaltedOne]

No link, but I've heard reports that we would like to come to Cleveland to be closer to home.

*********************

Never mind, found this...

Link

Though Andruzzi and Coleman did a decent job, there is still room to improve. This is why much talk is surfacing about the Browns making a move in free agency to sign a veteran guard. The name of All-Pro center/guard LeCharles Bentley keeps surfacing. Bentley is and unrestricted free agent with the New Orleans Saints and it looks like the marriage is headed for a divorce. Bentley has told friends that he would love to play in Cleveland. Bentley played his college ball at Ohio State and grew up in Ohio. The Browns will not be alone in their quest to sign Bentley though. The Miami Dolphins are said to be very interested in Bentley and would let him play center, his preferred position. More then likely the Browns would require Bentley to move to guard. The possibility does exist that the Browns would sign Bentley, have him play center and looks to move current center Jeff Faine. A draft day trade would not be out of the question and the Browns would acquire valuable draft picks that G.M. Phil Savage so desperately loves. Remember Faine was not a Savage pick, so trading him would hold no sentimental value to him.

I would love to see Bentley in Cleveland!! With the hometown roots and Cleveland's cap room, this would be an excellent move!! C'mon Phil!!!

Cleveland's already got their center of the future, or have you forgotten about Jeff Faine already?

 

[wadegarrett]

Say hello to Dallas Cleveland, LeCharles.

Fixed.

 

[wadegarrett]

I think he's a lock for a Cardinal Browns uniform.

Also fixed.

 

[On The Rocks]

i have already told Marv Levy I will personally kick in $12.43 per week to bring him to Buffalo.

that is a personal commitment right there my friends.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm sure a great many NFL teams could use Bentley's services. I know I would love for the Eagles to surprise me and sign him. But since they seem willing to let Runyan go without an offer, and have Hank Fraley and Jamaal Jackson already in-house, I can't see the Birds shelling out $4-$5mm per year for an interior lineman, no matter how good he is.

 

[BoulderBob]

6 million is way too much for a center...

Unless the guy is a steamrolling Yokozuna, find a cheaper option.

 

[slinky]

I would love to see Bentley in Cleveland!! With the hometown roots and Cleveland's cap room, this would be an excellent move!! C'mon Phil!!!

Cleveland's already got their center of the future, or have you forgotten about Jeff Faine already?

True. But if memory serves, Bentley can do either G or C. And Faine, move his but to G or trade him for all I care.

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

6 million is way too much for a center...

Unless the guy is a steamrolling Yokozuna, find a cheaper option.

I agree, maybe a tackle could be worth it, but not a center.

 

[diesel7982]

6 million is way too much for a center...

Unless the guy is a steamrolling Yokozuna, find a cheaper option.

I agree, maybe a tackle could be worth it, but not a center.

Might want to take a look at what happened to the Vikings last year, and what a difference a great, All-Pro center makes.

 

[Riffraff]

I wouldn't mind if the Chargers signed him.

Hopefully, it wouldn't stunt Hardwick's progression too much.

Much rather they spend 6mil on OL than 9mil on a QB.

 

[Balco]

26 year old pro bowl caliber center, overpaying a little is not a horrible move. Bentley can play guard or center and is a great blocker. I have said since day one of free agency that he should be the priority for the PAckers.

 

[cstu]

26 year old pro bowl caliber center, overpaying a little is not a horrible move. Bentley can play guard or center and is a great blocker. I have said since day one of free agency that he should be the priority for the PAckers.

Seems like a lot of us will be to get him on our teams.

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

6 million is way too much for a center...

Unless the guy is a steamrolling Yokozuna, find a cheaper option.

I agree, maybe a tackle could be worth it, but not a center.

Might want to take a look at what happened to the Vikings last year, and what a difference a great, All-Pro center makes.

Well there is bound to be a difference between a starting quality center and a 2nd string center, so I'm not convinced yet. Rich Braham has been the Bengals center for a while now and their line is tops...because of the tackle play. Braham is simply a game-manager who knows the offense well, which I believe is all you really need out of that position.

 

[Bri]

Well there is bound to be a difference between a starting quality center and a 2nd string center, so I'm not convinced yet. Rich Braham has been the Bengals center for a while now and their line is tops...because of the tackle play. Braham is simply a game-manager who knows the offense well, which I believe is all you really need out of that position.

Don't the Bengals have nice C depth though?

 

[Balco]

26 year old pro bowl caliber center, overpaying a little is not a horrible move.  Bentley can play guard or center and is a great blocker.  I have said since day one of free agency that he should be the priority for the PAckers.

Seems like a lot of us will be to get him on our teams.

Without question, although I am sure the Pack won't go after him. Like I said, whenever you have an opportunity to get a young, pro bowl caliber in free agency, you have to make a move, even shelling out some extra money. I remember the BEars throwing some good money at resigning Olin Kruetz a couple of years ago.Bentley can play center and guard at a high level and is 26. There really isn't anything not to like. Aside from Will Witherspoon, I can't really think of solid young free agents I would want the Pack to go after.

 

[stanmarino13]

The Dolphins actually offered Kreutz more money then the Bears, but he chose to stay for less money.

 

[Balco]

The Dolphins actually offered Kreutz more money then the Bears, but he chose to stay for less money.

If I remember correctly though, Kreutz still got an excellent deal for that time.

 

[Festivus]

I wouldn't mind seeing the Texans get involved here. I'm tired of watching McKinney get knocked backwards by DT's that outweigh him by 50 lbs.