Hold the phone on Lecharles Bently....signs w/Cleveland

[Ken]

Listening to WIP right now and they are saying that Bently's flight got cancled last night.


Apparently this is not a done deal and they think that Cleveland may have jumped in.

I will let you know when I hear more.

[Manster]

Go Cleveland!!!!!

[AbeBeta]

That would be awesome

[theogt]

Forget it. It's a done deal. He's an Eagle.

[Ashwynn]

Forget it. It's a done deal. He's an Eagle.
Why not Dallas?

If we dont get him, please go to the Brownies.

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

Forget it. It's a done deal. He's an Eagle.
Then why is it that nobody else is reporting it?
Not saying that he doesn't have an agreement in place, just don't believe that it is signed and at the league office. So anything can happen.

[Yakuza Rich]

I'm surprised anybody would want to sign with the Eagles given the T.O. incident.

It's clear that they have a budgeted amount of dollars they'll spend at a position and if the player clearly outperforms his contract, they will refuse to budge. Given that they've never really paid O-Linemen huge contracts, Bentley could be put in the same position of being a great player outperforming his contract and the Eagles refusing to give him what he's worth.

If you're a DE like Jevon Kearse, I can see signing with them. But, if you're not a valued position, I'd look elsewhere personally.

Rich............

[theogt]

I don't think any center could ever outperform $17 MM guaranteed over 3 years.

[MichaelWinicki]

I don't think we were ever interested in Bentley.

[jimmy4713]

The Browns have some serious cap money. We all know that you do not let a guy leave that you really want. Romeo will make a solid pitch and a handful of cash.

[Smashmouth24]

I'm surprised anybody would want to sign with the Eagles given the T.O. incident.

It's clear that they have a budgeted amount of dollars they'll spend at a position and if the player clearly outperforms his contract, they will refuse to budge. Given that they've never really paid O-Linemen huge contracts, Bentley could be put in the same position of being a great player outperforming his contract and the Eagles refusing to give him what he's worth.

If you're a DE like Jevon Kearse, I can see signing with them. But, if you're not a valued position, I'd look elsewhere personally.

Rich............

Terrell Owens did not outperform his contract.

[TruBlueCowboy]

:showme: :jackpot:

[theogt]

I don't think we were ever interested in Bentley.Of course not, but I'd rather not see him as an Eagle.

[AbeBeta]

Terrell Owens did not outperform his contract.

one thing is for sure -- he sure did outperform his deal.

[REDVOLUTION]

Terrell Owens did not outperform his contract.

I think T.O. did HIS part in SuperBowl and they SHOULD have won it.

McNabb has NEVER outplayed HIS contract in my opinion.

[Wimbo]

http://boards.philadelphiaeagles.com/index.php?showtopic=332992

Dave Spadaro is reporting the same - LeCharles is in Cleveland now, and not scheduled to visit the Eagles today.

[CactusCowboy]

I don't think we were ever interested in Bentley.

No way, our OL is solid. :eek:

[AsthmaField]

http://boards.philadelphiaeagles.com/index.php?showtopic=332992

Dave Spadaro is reporting the same - LeCharles is in Cleveland now, and not scheduled to visit the Eagles today.

The Eagles are gonna be pissed their player is hanging out in Cleveland talking about a contract.

[TruBlueCowboy]

One thing is for sure. When you seriously consider Cleveland, you really are in it only for the money. :D

[Cowboys Dad]

I don't think we were ever interested in Bentley.


This begs the question, Why Not? This is another classic case where the answer to a glaring hole is sitting and staring Jerry and Bill right in the face and these two are too busy drinking moonshine at their own personal still to get off their fannys and fix what is broken. The sky is not falling here, but this among other things in the last eleven hours has this Cowboy Fanatic holding his breath and fighting the ghosts of 2004. Sorry but this fit was far too logical to overlook if they really have a plan to compete next season.

[theogt]

This begs the question, Why Not? This is another classic case where the answer to a glaring hole is sitting and staring Jerry and Bill right in the face and these two are too busy drinking moonshine at their own personal still to get off their fannys and fix what is broken. The sky is not falling here, but this among other things in the last eleven hours has this Cowboy Fanatic holding his breath and fighting the ghosts of 2004. Sorry but this fit was far too logical to overlook if they really have a plan to compete next season.I think you meant "raises the question". As for a glaring hole, yes we had a couple of them in the OL last year, but left guard was not one.

[speedkilz88]

One thing is for sure. When you seriously consider Cleveland, you really are in it only for the money. :DBentley is from Cleveland, he already mentioned that he would love to go home.

[TruBlueCowboy]

This begs the question, Why Not? This is another classic case where the answer to a glaring hole is sitting and staring Jerry and Bill right in the face and these two are too busy drinking moonshine at their own personal still to get off their fannys and fix what is broken. The sky is not falling here, but this among other things in the last eleven hours has this Cowboy Fanatic holding his breath and fighting the ghosts of 2004. Sorry but this fit was far too logical to overlook if they really have a plan to compete next season.
:hammer:

[TruBlueCowboy]

Bentley is from Cleveland, he already mentioned that he would love to go home.

No that doesn't change anything. Hell, if anything, he should be treating that place like the plague if he has first-hand experience. Like I said, if you consider Cleveland.... :D

[Cowboys Dad]

Ogt, Bentley is a Center my friend and THAT is one of the more glaring needs on the offensive line. He may move off to play guard for someone else but hes a pro bowl center, and that was something that should have rated high among the needs of this team.

[big dog cowboy]

I don't think we were ever interested in Bentley.
Seems to be the case despite the fans practically drooling over this guy.

[theogt]

Ogt, Bentley is a Center my friend and THAT is one of the more glaring needs on the offensive line. He may move off to play guard for someone else but hes a pro bowl center, and that was something that should have rated high among the needs of this team.hehehe...oops, for some reason I was thinking Hutchinson. Too early or something. Someone get me some coffee.

[AbeBeta]

This begs the question, Why Not?

I think the logic is that we can use the $ it would cost to get Bentley to fill two holes instead.

[MichaelWinicki]

Seems to be the case despite the fans practically drooling over this guy.


Exactly.

I think the center play was as much a factor of the pathetic play at guard which was partially caused by the ineffective play at tackle.

God almighty, it was Johnsons second full year as a starter. And he wasn't as horrible as many have claimed.

The center position wasn't the POS that many seem to think it was. Hell, Y. Rich ran the numbers. Johnson had too many penalties but the other numbers weren't horrid.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think the logic is that we can use the $ it would cost to get Bentley to fill two holes instead.


That is a good thought.

[AsthmaField]

I don't think we were ever interested in Bentley.


I think that Parcells likes Al Johnson MUCH better than a lot of posters here do.

That's why, while I really like Bentley, I never really thought he might seriously come here. Only if we wanted him as a guard, IMO.

[TruBlueCowboy]

Exactly.

I think the center play was as much a factor of the pathetic play at guard which was partially caused by the ineffective play at tackle.

God almighty, it was Johnsons second full year as a starter. And he wasn't as horrible as many have claimed.

The center position wasn't the POS that many seem to think it was. Hell, Y. Rich ran the numbers. Johnson had too many penalties but the other numbers weren't horrid.

Don't know about other folks but I'm drooling over Bentley because he can replace Larry or Marco just as much as Al Johnson. Both of those guard salaries will be gone next year. The offensive line salaries might be high this year, but Jerry should be looking at this as a long-term thing because Larry and Marco don't have it in them to play much past 2006, especially at their current contract levels.

[Cowboys Dad]

Yes caffiene is good this morning, especially after I stayed up till three am last night in hopes that Jerrys plane would fuel up and head out. Oh well, no panic, and no problem on the oversight Ogt, everyone does it, unfortunately from experience I know people tend to harp on them. Its all good, and good bantering back and forth with ya.

[silverbear]

One thing is for sure. When you seriously consider Cleveland, you really are in it only for the money. :D

I appreciate the humor, but of course Cleveland is Bentley's home town, which is supposedly at the heart of his interest in playing there...

Now, if you ask me why anybody would want to go back to Cleveland once they got out of there, I couldn't answer that... LOL...

[TruBlueCowboy]

I appreciate the humor, but of course Cleveland is Bentley's home town, which is supposedly at the heart of his interest in playing there...

Now, if you ask me why anybody would want to go back to Cleveland once they got out of there, I couldn't answer that... LOL...

They want more of this:

http://www.tvacres.com/images/beer_buzz.jpg

[silverbear]

This begs the question, Why Not?

Uhhh, he wants at least five million a year??

I've been all for signing Bentley since I first took a look at this free agent class, but no way can I justify spending over a quarter of our available cap room on a center...

This is another classic case where the answer to a glaring hole is sitting and staring Jerry and Bill right in the face and these two are too busy drinking moonshine at their own personal still to get off their fannys and fix what is broken.

You talk like Bentley is the only good center out there... he's the best of the crop, but there are other solid centers available who won't eat up half of that cap room... Justin Hartwig and Seth McKinney, for example...

[sdcowboy]

is reporting bentley's agent told them he signed with the browns.Info from theranchreport:laugh2:

[hmcorp]

THE EAGLES TAMPERED THEY TAMPERED WHINE WHINE WHINE>..

WHAT happened to the TaMPERING THE EAGLES DID??? wHERE IS THE CONTRACT??/


whatever. Who knwos whats going to happen. too early and too little info to be sure of anything!!!

[Cowboys Dad]

Uhhh, he wants at least five million a year??

I've been all for signing Bentley since I first took a look at this free agent class, but no way can I justify spending over a quarter of our available cap room on a center...



You talk like Bentley is the only good center out there... he's the best of the crop, but there are other solid centers available who won't eat up half of that cap room... Justin Hartwig and Seth McKinney, for example...


All I am saying Silverbear is that as in everything, you get what you pay for. We have been hearing about these "cheap fix" offensive linemen for years now. Again I am not Chicken Little, I just think that if you want to fix it right then you acquire some guys with some skins on the wall, not guys that have fired all their bullets, but guys like Bentley who play at a pro bowl calibre level and are still hitting their prime. This is why every year there are gapping holes in this roster when camp opens. Its not necessary, but its a choice Bill and Jerry make year in and year out.

[TruBlueCowboy]

Uhhh, he wants at least five million a year??

I've been all for signing Bentley since I first took a look at this free agent class, but no way can I justify spending over a quarter of our available cap room on a center...



You talk like Bentley is the only good center out there... he's the best of the crop, but there are other solid centers available who won't eat up half of that cap room... Justin Hartwig and Seth McKinney, for example...

For the nth time, we want him as a guard as much as a center. If Larry Allen and Marco Rivera can make the money they do as interior linemen only a year from retirement and nowhere near their past primes, I think Bentley can get away with his contract, consider he hasn't even entered his prime. ;)

[BigDFan5]

Per the Eagles official board Bentley signd with Cleveland

http://boards.philadelphiaeagles.com/index.php?showtopic=333005

6 year deal, $12.5 million SB, $6 million per year

[big dog cowboy]

Exactly.

I think the center play was as much a factor of the pathetic play at guard which was partially caused by the ineffective play at tackle.

God almighty, it was Johnsons second full year as a starter. And he wasn't as horrible as many have claimed.

The center position wasn't the POS that many seem to think it was. Hell, Y. Rich ran the numbers. Johnson had too many penalties but the other numbers weren't horrid.
As disfunctional as our line was is it pretty amazing we almost made the playoffs. I believe in the Michael Jordan theory that better players around you can make you a better player. Maybe that is what Johnson needs.

[miamicowboy21]

Yes, SIRIUS NFL radio confirmed it thru his agent.

[theogt]

Wow, this is incredible news. At first I admit I thought this was wishful thinking, but man...great news.

[CrazyCowboy]

IMO Bentley was asking for more then we had allocated for the position

[5 Super Bowls]

I don't think any center could ever outperform $17 MM guaranteed over 3 years.Didn't you get the memo. The CBA raised the salary cap by 19%. That is equal to a $13.6 mil over 3 years. Just imagine if you got a 19% raise. That would be nice.

[Glenn Carano]

trust me.

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

Browns | Bentley on way to Cleveland
Sat, 11 Mar 2006 09:14:55 -0800

610 WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia reports free agent C LeCharles Bentley (Saints) is on his way to Cleveland to visit the Cleveland Browns. It was earlier reported that Bentley had already agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and there was a rumor that he was going to visit the Eagles on Saturday, March 11.



So is it done or could he be going to sign on the dotted line?

[cleverusername]

KFFL Reports:

Browns Bentley on way to Cleveland
Sat, 11 Mar 2006 09:14:55 -0800
610 WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia reports free agent LeCharles Bentley is on his way to Cleveland to visit the Cleveland Browns It was earlier reported that Bentley had already agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and there was a rumor that he was going to visit the Eagles on Saturday, March 11.

[Hostile]

:welcome: to the forum. I like the username.

[silverbear]

Per the Eagles official board Bentley signd with Cleveland

http://boards.philadelphiaeagles.com/index.php?showtopic=333005

6 year deal, $12.5 million SB, $6 million per year

If this is true, I just may dust off my old Jackie Gleason impression:

How SWEEEEET it is!!

I really didn't want to see Bentley in an Iggles uni...

FWIW, I just tried to follow the link provided, and got a "bandwidth exceeded" error box... sounds like they're in full meltdown mode over there, and I LOVE it...

[BigDFan5]

If this is true, I just may dust off my old Jackie Gleason impression:

How SWEEEEET it is!!

I really didn't want to see Bentley in an Iggles uni...

Neither did I man neither did I

[siegbach]

Browns | Team signs Bentley
Sat, 11 Mar 2006 09:55:37 -0800
Len Pasquarelli (http://www.kffl.com/link/17), of ESPN.com (http://www.kffl.com/link/9), reports the Cleveland Browns (http://www.kffl.com/team/13/nfl) have agreed on a contract with free agent C LeCharles Bentley (http://www.kffl.com/player/1205/nfl). Terms of the contract are not yet known.:banghead:

[Yakuza Rich]

Here you go:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2364025


Rich...........

[Da Hammer]

HAHA Eagles got robbed. It didn't look like we really had much interest on Bentley so at least he didn't go to a rival

[bigdrulez3141]

YAAAAAAAYYYYY! better them than the eagles.

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2364025 (http://sports.esp..go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2364025)

[SilverStarCowboy]

Wow and I thought he was a lock in Phlithy, I suppose Mawae just became an after thought for Dallas.


DARN!!!

On the other hand, maybe this frees up McGinest from the Browns?

[ghst187]

Here you go:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2364025


Rich...........

cheers from the stands!!
too bad philthy, thank you Brownies.

[StonetheCrow77]

that's my thought... if he isn't signing with Dallas, make it an AFC team...

[Hostile]

I'm glad the Eagles didn't get him, but damn. I really had my hopes up we'd take a serious look.

[CATCH17]

We should've been all over Bentley.


We are so screwed on offense in a couple of years if we sign Fabini and Mawae because our entire OL will be in their late 30's.


The future of the Dallas Cowboy offense is not looking good at all.

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

:clap: :clap:

:tongue: on the Eagles!!!!

[AbeBeta]

its a very good day

[Cbz40]

Much rather have him in Cleveland than in Philly.;)

[Yakuza Rich]

We should've been all over Bentley.


We are so screwed on offense in a couple of years if we sign Fabini and Mawae because our entire OL will be in their late 30's.


The future of the Dallas Cowboy offense is not looking good at all.

I sort of agree, but if they draft some O-Linemen as well to be groomed to take over, they should be fine.

Whether or not they would do that is another thing.


Rich.......

[Erik_H]

We should've been all over Bentley.


We are so screwed on offense in a couple of years if we sign Fabini and Mawae because our entire OL will be in their late 30's.


The future of the Dallas Cowboy offense is not looking good at all.

If we end up with Mawae, it means that we still believe that Johnson can be our future C.

Mawae for 2 years would be a very good thing.

[SilverStarCowboy]

:clap: :clap:

:tongue: on the Eagles!!!!


Hope this doesn't mean they will land Mawae or drive up the price! :bang2:

[wesleyc288]

We should've been all over Bentley.


We are so screwed on offense in a couple of years if we sign Fabini and Mawae because our entire OL will be in their late 30's.


The future of the Dallas Cowboy offense is not looking good at all.




Over reaction?

[Yakuza Rich]

I can just imagine the look on Reid's face right now is the same he gives his wife for eating the last piece of cake in the fridge.


Rich..........

[AbeBeta]

they got shaffer too. for way too much - 7 years 35 million it looks like - Bentley must have gotten nearly 45 million if that is what they are paying Shaffer

[InmanRoshi]

God, both are just ridiculously overpaid. They'll eat a good portion of both their contracts before its said and done.

Looks like Bentley used the Eagles to raise his market price.

[speedkilz88]

This is the best signing I've heard all day!

:fogeys:

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

Hope this doesn't mean they will land Mawae or drive up the price! :bang2:
If we can't get Mawae or Bentley, I sure wouldn't want Bentley in an Eagles uniform.

[siegbach]

i think when it is all said and done we end up with hartwig from the titans as our center.i would have loved to see the cowboys get lecharles.i also hope we don't get mawae as our center.we need to get younger on the line and build for the future.:o:

[SilverStarCowboy]

Who's Shaffer?

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

Looks like the Eagles was planning to spend the whole day with Bentley...


Eagles | No free agents scheduled to visit Saturday
Sat, 11 Mar 2006 09:15:19 -0800

Dave Spadaro, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports the Philadelphia Eagles have no free agent players scheduled to visit on Saturday, March 11.

[CATCH17]

I sort of agree, but if they draft some O-Linemen as well to be groomed to take over, they should be fine.


We have drafted OL

Rogers

Petermon

Al Johnson

Gurode (Campo Era)


We've been doing it and it hasn't worked out. We are in deep doo doo as soon as BP retires because our entire OL will be retiring with him.

Almost everyone on offense is in their mid 30's guys if we get Fabini and Mawae.

Our offensive future isn't looking good at all because all those players are going to leave at about the same time.

[Da Hammer]

We better not get both Fabini and Kawae

[Cbz40]

Who's Shaffer?


http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/302125

[5Stars]

Bentley probably wanted about $20.00 added to his contract, and, well, knowing the Eagles....they refused that deal!

No way are they gonna part with another two $10.00 bills !!!

:laugh2:

[InmanRoshi]

Our future at OL is a lot more flexible since we haven't ridiculously overpaid for an overhyped player at his premium value that we'll be stuck with for 5 years like Bentley. Knowing he was going to be a free agent I TIVO'd 5 Saints games on my Sunday package just to focus on him. He's just simply not as good as people want to make him to be. He's a solid spoke in the wheel, but he's not someone you spend $15 million of signing bonus on to be the centerpiece of your team. The Saints are showing they are going to be active players in free agency and have money to burn. They're going to land the premium free agent quarterback on the market. They weren't just being cheap when they let Bentley walk.

[Z-Man]

Browns | Team signs Bentley
Sat, 11 Mar 2006 09:55:37 -0800
Len Pasquarelli (http://www.kffl.com/link/17), of ESPN.com (http://www.kffl.com/link/9), reports the Cleveland Browns (http://www.kffl.com/team/13/nfl) have agreed on a contract with free agent C LeCharles Bentley (http://www.kffl.com/player/1205/nfl). Terms of the contract are not yet known.:banghead:
Waaiiittt a minute. Didn't the Browns website have them signing 2 guys before the deadline last night that didn't prove to be true today???

[AsthmaField]

We have drafted OL

Rogers

Petermon

Al Johnson

Gurode (Campo Era)


We've been doing it and it hasn't worked out. We are in deep doo doo as soon as BP retires because our entire OL will be retiring with him.

Almost everyone on offense is in their mid 30's guys if we get Fabini and Mawae.

Our offensive future isn't looking good at all because all those players are going to leave at about the same time.

Parcells likes Johnson and Peterman a lot more than you do. I think both of them turn out to be good NFL players.

[CowboyChris]

Bentley must not be too smart, why would anyone with his talent and skill rush into signing a contract with all the money that is available out there in free agency, and not to mention signing with the Clowns. oh well better than him signing with Philly.

[Yakuza Rich]

We've been doing it and it hasn't worked out. We are in deep doo doo as soon as BP retires because our entire OL will be retiring with him.

First things first. The chances of anybody signing Bentley were pretty slim. He stated he wanted to go to the Browns because he's from the area and grew up a Browns fan. Given the amount of money they have under the cap, it would've been virtually impossible to get him.

Secondly, you'll be hard pressed to find a great FA that you can have around for 6 years. Think about it, La'Roi Glover was a great signing and we only got 3 very good years and one so-so year out of him.

Now Bentley probably will be good for another 6 years, but he's an exception....not the rule. And like I said, the chances of Dallas or anybody else signing him were pretty much nil. Then there's Hutchinson, but the Seahawks can match any offer given to him and have the cap room to do so easily.


Almost everyone on offense is in their mid 30's guys if we get Fabini and Mawae. Our offensive future isn't looking good at all because all those players are going to leave at about the same time.

Even if they signed Bentley, they'd still have 6 offensive starters in their 30's.

Relying on FA to bail out your team has historically not worked out very well. The big concentration should be providing a roster and atmosphere that will allow for the team to groom draft picks into good players.


Rich........

[Yakuza Rich]

Bentley must not be too smart, why would anyone with his talent and skill rush into signing a contract with all the money that is available out there in free agency, and not to mention signing with the Clowns. oh well better than him signing with Philly.

Reports of Bentley's contracts are something like $6 million a year with a $12.5 million signing bonus. I doubt there's going to be a much better deal out there. And if there was, he's getting paid so much that he should take the contract because he'll be back home and playing for the team he wanted to play for.


Rich.........

[clayman]

Bentley and Schaffer.....Crennel is building a team over there.

[Clove]

Now the browns sign the best RT available in Shaffer..

[CowboyChris]

Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reports Cleveland Browns OL LeCharles Bentley's new deal with the Cleveland Browns is a six-year, $36 million contract. Bentley had serious talks with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Browns put the heat on him, offering a contract that includes $12.5 million in guaranteed money up front and averages $6 million per year.

[DawnOfANewD]

Does the Bentley signing mean that the Browns will be looking to dump incumbent C Jeff Faine? He has had a few injury problems but he's only 24 and might be a worthwhile pickup for a low-to-mid round draft pick if CLE would be willing to go for that.

[bobtheflob]

That's a lot of money, but he may be worth it. The Browns did have a lot of money to spend.

[Erik_H]

That's a lot of money, but he may be worth it. The Browns did have a lot of money to spend.
Funny Clayton just reported on ESPNews that LeBentley is close to signing with the Eagles.

old report maybe?

You'd think they wouldn't air it though

[burmafrd]

I have tivo's ESPN news and they repeat old stuff for like 5-6 hrs before they update it. Would not surprise me.

[theogt]

Funny Clayton just reported on ESPNews that LeBentley is close to signing with the Eagles.

old report maybe?

You'd think they wouldn't air it thoughI chalk this up to Clayton being a clueless hack.

[ConcordCowboy]

Very Good...I wanted Him...But at least he's not going to Philly!


Browns agree with offensive linemen Bentley, ShafferBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

With money to spend and holes to fill, the Cleveland Browns struck quickly in free agency Saturday, reaching agreements with a pair of high-profile unrestricted free agents who will dramatically alter the landscape of the team's offensive line unit.


The Browns have signed center LeCharles Bentley of New Orleans, the top-ranked player overall in ESPN.com's ratings of unrestricted free agents. The team also reached an agreement in principle with Atlanta Falcons left offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer, ESPN.com's 26th-rated free agent.


Financial details of the contracts were not yet available. While some details remain to be worked out on Shaffer's contract, it will be a seven-year deal worth more than $5 million annually.


Cleveland officials had suggested as the free agency signing period approached that they would be very active, and early on, in addressing key needs. The Browns had about $20 million in salary cap room even before the extension to the collective bargaining agreement added $7.5 million more per team. General manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel moved quickly in 2004 at the outset of free agency, and their Saturday forays will aid an offense that statistically ranked No. 26 in the league in 2005.


Landing the highly regarded Bentley is a huge acquisition for the Browns, who wanted more bulk and power on the interior of their offensive line. The signing represents a homecoming for Bentley, who is a Cleveland native, attended that city's St. Ignatius High School, and is a longtime Browns fan.


It had been rumored for about two weeks that Bentley would sign with Philadelphia once the free agent market opened for business, but those reports proved erroneous.


Bentley, 26, was the Saints' second-round pick in the 2002 draft. He began his career at guard and then moved to center in 2004. He earned one Pro Bowl berth at each position and scouts leaguwide agree that his best football is still ahead of him. The former Ohio State standout is a mauler, the sort of road-grader blocker the Browns need. At 315 pounds, he can take on the NFL's biggest nose tackle and has the power to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage.


In four seasons with the Saints, he played in 57 games, all as a starter.


The intention of the Browns at left tackle was to re-sign L.J. Shelton, who started all 16 games in 2005, while playing on a one-year deal. But when they could not land an extension with Shelton, the Browns quickly turned to Shaffer, a four-year veteran.


Although he struggled against speed-rushers at times in 2005, Shaffer is an emerging pass protector, as former seventh-round choice who made himself a solid player through hard work. The former Tulsa star moved into the Falcons' starting lineup midway through the 2003 season. A very good technician, and a player who figures to keep improving, Shaffer has played in 53 games and started 39 of them.

ESPN.com's Michael Smith contributed to this report

[CATCH17]

Parcells likes Johnson and Peterman a lot more than you do. I think both of them turn out to be good NFL players.


I think they will be too. Johnson impressed me his 1st season but didn't help out much last year coming off the injury.


Peterman? I have no clue. Haven't seen much of him at all and neither has anyone else so nobody can hold judgement on him other than BP doesn't think hes good enough to be a starter and we used a 3rd round pick on him.


But other than being a hopefull Cowboy fan I have no reason to believe they can do it.