LeCharles Bentley...What are our chances?

TexanAddict · Jan 2, 2006

"Bentley, 26, will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He probably is the free agent the Saints would most like to re-sign next year, but he also might be the premier center available on the open market.

Bentley is expected to seek a contract similar to the one the Carolina Panthers gave free-agent guard Mike Wahle last year to lure him from the Green Bay Packers. Wahle reportedly signed a five-year deal worth up to $28 million with $11.5 million in bonuses."

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/1135249737277260.xml

Would it be possible for the Texans to sign Bentley (26yrs, 2x Pro Bowler) and start to shore up the interior of the Oline? Both from a cap and recruiting perspective?

texan279 · Jan 2, 2006

TexanAddict said:
"Bentley, 26, will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He probably is the free agent the Saints would most like to re-sign next year, but he also might be the premier center available on the open market.

Bentley is expected to seek a contract similar to the one the Carolina Panthers gave free-agent guard Mike Wahle last year to lure him from the Green Bay Packers. Wahle reportedly signed a five-year deal worth up to $28 million with $11.5 million in bonuses."

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/1135249737277260.xml

Would it be possible for the Texans to sign Bentley (26yrs, 2x Pro Bowler) and start to shore up the interior of the Oline? Both from a cap and recruiting perspective?

I think signing any big name free agents for next season will all depend on who our next coach is and what we do in the draft. We cannot keep overpaying for average free agents just to get them here. If we have a really good draft and sign a coach with a good track record it could be easier to get free agents here than it has been in the past. Just my :twocents:

Ranger · Jan 2, 2006

If I was any UFA in New Orleans, I would want to get the hell out of Dodge. Houston being so close to New Orleans, with a new head coach, and some of the nicest facilitaies are a big draw from some free agents.

The only problem is........we don't have the $$$. I think with us having the #1 pick, and 4 in the top 70, we will be very tight with the money. We have I think right now $11 million to spend under the cap and that number should go up to around $16 with the new cap coming into effect, so we might have enough room to make 1 big signing like this. But I just don't think Casserely will do it.

I think both Bentley and Hutchinson are out of our price range.

TexanAddict · Jan 2, 2006

texan279 said:
We cannot keep overpaying for average free agents just to get them here.

I totally agree with this statement, but the issue is that Bentley will have been to the Pro Bowl twice by the time free agency rolls around and is only 26. And our line is in serious need of some Pro Bowl talent.

texan279 · Jan 2, 2006

TexanAddict said:
I totally agree with this statement, but the issue is that Bentley will have been to the Pro Bowl twice by the time free agency rolls around and is only 26. And our line is in serious need of some Pro Bowl talent.

I agree with that, and would love to have him here, imagaine him and D'Brick on our O line... :drool:

Tulip · Jan 2, 2006

Does anyone know how Drew Hodgdon is doing with his recovery?

vtech9 · Jan 2, 2006

the position I am more worried about is the guard position. Pitts has done a pretty good job at LT, so I think we can safely leave him there. When Drew Hodgedon came in to play center, the OL was better, and I think with a little more experience, he could be our long term center. I think Wade is serviceable at RT, and Wand might be a better option if he can get his confidence back, not to mention better coaching. Weigert is arguably our best OG, but after him, we really don't have much. McKinney is weak no matter where he lines up. I'm tired of seeing him wiff or simply be overpowered by rushing defenders. Our other OG's are strictly back-up quality and shouldn't be starting anywhere in this league. If we do get a franchise LT, Pitts can move back to LG, and that would help solidify the middle of the line, and that would be great, but I think we could get away cheaper with an upgrade at OG. Just my opinion.

TexanAddict · Jan 2, 2006

vtech9 said:
McKinney is weak no matter where he lines up. I'm tired of seeing him wiff or simply be overpowered by rushing defenders.

I also think it is about time for McKinney to go, and I did think Hogden did play pretty well when he was in there, but I would much rather upgrade to a Pro Bowler than a 2nd year player coming off a serious injury with very little playing time. Kinda like putting all you eggs in a basket you never used to carry eggs before.

I do think Pitts could play well at either guard or tackle depending on how the coaches choose to go in the draft and free agency.

V Man · Jan 2, 2006

vtech9 said:
the position I am more worried about is the guard position. Pitts has done a pretty good job at LT, so I think we can safely leave him there. When Drew Hodgedon came in to play center, the OL was better, and I think with a little more experience, he could be our long term center. I think Wade is serviceable at RT, and Wand might be a better option if he can get his confidence back, not to mention better coaching. Weigert is arguably our best OG, but after him, we really don't have much. McKinney is weak no matter where he lines up. I'm tired of seeing him wiff or simply be overpowered by rushing defenders. Our other OG's are strictly back-up quality and shouldn't be starting anywhere in this league. If we do get a franchise LT, Pitts can move back to LG, and that would help solidify the middle of the line, and that would be great, but I think we could get away cheaper with an upgrade at OG. Just my opinion.

I like this guy, and he could be available in the second round. Put him at LG or RG.

http://www.nflfans.com/x/2006/showprospect.php?key=Max%20Jean-Gilles

vtech9 · Jan 2, 2006

TexanAddict said:
I also think it is about time for McKinney to go, and I did think Hogden did play pretty well when he was in there, but I would much rather upgrade to a Pro Bowler than a 2nd year player coming off a serious injury with very little playing time. Kinda like putting all you eggs in a basket you never used to carry eggs before.

I do think Pitts could play well at either guard or tackle depending on how the coaches choose to go in the draft and free agency.

I agree with you there, but what I am saying is that we do have someone viable there, and we don't at OG. If Pitts stays at LT, McKinney is our top LG, and that to me is a scary thought. I would love to have a pro bowl center, with Hodgedon being the back-up, but I would absolutely hate to see McKinney back in the starting lineup.

CanadianSaint · Jan 2, 2006

HEY!!! lego my BENTLY!!!!

vtech9 · Jan 2, 2006

V Man said:
I like this guy, and he could be available in the second round. Put him at LG or RG.

http://www.nflfans.com/x/2006/showprospect.php?key=Max%20Jean-Gilles

Max Jean-Gilles
Position: OG
College: Georgia

Pros: Moves very well for a 340 pound individual, plays with a mean streak which allows him to totally dominate at the point of attack leading to pancake after pancake, has the ability to wear down a defensive lineman through out the course of a game and take away his drive, has played both OT and OG but will most likely play OG in the NFL similar to Shawn Andrews, emotional leader on the field.
Cons: May have to move inside to guard in the pros, if he stays outside its at RT, not left. Will need to put an extra effort in conditioning to keep up on the next level, as his weight could be an issue. Can have trouble with quicker DL.

If the coaches can get him into proper condition, he could be a very good option that could possibly fill in at different positions on the line. I do believe the Texans have one of the best fitness guys in the league, so they might be able to get him into shape.

The big question is, would he fit in with our offensive line scheme. What I mean is, if the Texans stay with the zone blocking scheme, is he agile enough for it?

MorKnolle · Jan 2, 2006

I think we have a legitimate shot at Bentley if we bring on a good head coach quickly and pursue Bentley hard, we might have to pay $25 to $30 million for him but at least he's been to the Pro Bowl as a center and a guard and is still young and talented, after all we gave Wade $30 million to play RT after never making a Pro Bowl or anything. I doubt we can get Hutchinson though, so Bentley is our shot at bringing in a great interior OL this season, after that all our OL needs will have to be addressed through the draft, hopefully with our 1st (after trading down) and one of our 2nd round picks (likewise after trading down we'd have multiple 2nd rounders).

V Man · Jan 2, 2006

vtech9 said:
If the coaches can get him into proper condition, he could be a very good option that could possibly fill in at different positions on the line. I do believe the Texans have one of the best fitness guys in the league, so they might be able to get him into shape.

The big question is, would he fit in with our offensive line scheme. What I mean is, if the Texans stay with the zone blocking scheme, is he agile enough for it?

I like his mean streak. To me our O-line is very passive, it would do good to get some aggressive people in here and start knocking people around.

CowboysTexansFan · Jan 2, 2006

I'd love for the team to sign Bentley. McKinney has only one year left on his contract, so cutting him wouldn't cause much of a cap hit. Paying Bentley somewhat more than we're scheduled to pay McKinney would be a HUGE upgrade.

Drafting a G or T with our second round pick plus signing a quality player like Bentley would go a long way towards shoring up our O-Line.

It is a shame that we are still having to address the O-Line after four freaking seasons. :brickwall

LORK 88 · Jan 2, 2006

Bentley has the ability to play guard as well. He played it in college and early on before switching to Center.

CanadianSaint · Jan 2, 2006

He is indeed VERY versitle, and the only one of the Saints going to the probowl this year....

vtech9 · Jan 2, 2006

V Man said:
I like his mean streak. To me our O-line is very passive, it would do good to get some aggressive people in here and start knocking people around.

I liked that when I read it too V Man. IMHO, the O-line needs some attitude. If we could sign Bentley, and have Hodgedon as the back-up center, draft Jean-Gilles, and cut McKinney, Washington, Weary, and some of the other dead weight, the Texans could be a lot closer to being a playoff team than anybody believes. If anyone can get Jean-Gilles into shape, our stength and conditioning guy can, that is of course, if Jean-Gilles puts in the work ethic needed.

It is a shame that we are still having to address the O-Line after four freaking seasons.

I completely agree with you CowboysTexansFan. It is too sad.

run-david-run · Jan 2, 2006

getting D'Brick AND Bently would give us some nice options. We could go with D'Brick at LT, Pitts LG, Bently, Giles/Joseph/Weigert at RG, then Wade/Wand/Weigert at Rt... much better then what we have now.

WE could also go D'Brick at LT, Pitts at LG, Hodgon C, Bently Rg, Wade/weigert/wade at RT. This would allow us to ise our second round pick on our D. this does depend on Drew being good enough to start in the NFL...

TexanAddict · Jan 2, 2006

In all seriousness, with all the talk about Bush, the signing that would make me the happiest would be Bentley, then one more OL in either the 1st or 2nd round, either a tackle or guard. If they decide to sign Bush, great, but then get the best OL available with the 1st pick of the 2nd round.

bubbajaxonbrown · Jan 2, 2006

run-david-run said:
getting D'Brick AND Bently would give us some nice options. We could go with D'Brick at LT, Pitts LG, Bently, Giles/Joseph/Weigert at RG, then Wade/Wand/Weigert at Rt... much better then what we have now.

WE could also go D'Brick at LT, Pitts at LG, Hodgon C, Bently Rg, Wade/weigert/wade at RT. This would allow us to ise our second round pick on our D. this does depend on Drew being good enough to start in the NFL...

Don't forget about 2nd round steals like Scott (UT) and McNeill (Auburn) or Davin Joseph and Kelvin Chaisson (both OU). These are all less talents than D'brick but if we take Bush #1 then he won't be there when we pick #33.

TexanAddict · Jan 3, 2006

What I would like to know is if it would be possible to sign Bentley to a contract close to what he'll be asking that does not put us in cap trouble in the next few years. Possibly after the dismissal of some of our currently overpriced linemen.

bdiddy · Jan 3, 2006

Dude a guy that is a two time pro bowler at guard and center, offensive rookie of the year, and a one time pro bowl alternate in his fourth year - has got to be signed. Bently could anchor the middle of the line for 10 years.

Coach C. · Jan 3, 2006

Yes it would be possible. First, centers and interior lineman command less money. Now he is a three time pro-bowler so he will command some change look for a 5-6 year 25M deal. Something similar to Greenwood which would be manageable after the restructuring or release of McKinney, Deloach, and some other overpriced guys. Weigert and McKinney are in there last year of their contract and it does not cost much to cut them, it depends on which one you like better, personally Weigert has performed better and can play more posistions, plus he has a lower cap figure so he stays. McKinney gets to head to the Browns and be their LG.

bdiddy · Jan 3, 2006

Coach C. said:
Yes it would be possible. First, centers and interior lineman command less money. Now he is a three time pro-bowler so he will command some change look for a 5-6 year 25M deal. Something similar to Greenwood which would be manageable after the restructuring or release of McKinney, Deloach, and some other overpriced guys. Weigert and McKinney are in there last year of their contract and it does not cost much to cut them, it depends on which one you like better, personally Weigert has performed better and can play more posistions, plus he has a lower cap figure so he stays. McKinney gets to head to the Browns and be their LG.

Agree with what has been said. McKinney will restructure his deal as he said he was willing to do this morning on 610am. He is from the area, went to A&M, and owns velocity sports - thus, he does not want to move to another franchise. I think we can hold on to both he and Weigert for the next year. If we choose to resign Weigart it will be at a drastically lower figure, he is getting long in the tooth and has been injury prone. I agree that Weigert has performed better then McKinney (when in the lineup), however, McKinney has been playing out of position at center. Weigert has not looked that great a RT, pretty comparable to McKinney at center.

TexanAddict · Jan 3, 2006

Coach C. said:
Yes it would be possible. First, centers and interior lineman command less money. Now he is a three time pro-bowler so he will command some change look for a 5-6 year 25M deal. Something similar to Greenwood which would be manageable after the restructuring or release of McKinney, Deloach, and some other overpriced guys. Weigert and McKinney are in there last year of their contract and it does not cost much to cut them, it depends on which one you like better, personally Weigert has performed better and can play more posistions, plus he has a lower cap figure so he stays. McKinney gets to head to the Browns and be their LG.

This kind of deal sounds good to me, doesn't seem to break the bank and gives us what we are really hurting for...a serious player on the offensive line.

If the Texans make this happen I will start to get really excited about next season!

Coach C. · Jan 3, 2006

Just wanted to say that McKinney will likely try and restructure his contract. I am not sure how that will go, but as bdiddy said he is from here and played at the best college in the land.

run-david-run · Jan 3, 2006

bubbajaxonbrown said:
Don't forget about 2nd round steals like Scott (UT) and McNeill (Auburn) or Davin Joseph and Kelvin Chaisson (both OU). These are all less talents than D'brick but if we take Bush #1 then he won't be there when we pick #33.

which is exactly why we let someone else get Mr Hype and go after something that has litteraly plagued us from DAY 1!!!

MorKnolle · Jan 3, 2006

Wiegert and McKinney would be an OK duo at OG (as long as McKinney restructures his deal), but I would still definitely look to bring in Bentley and one rookie interior linema, plus a rookie OT to start building this line for a year or two down the road when these two are too old to be effective (McKinney hasn't been that effective anyways).

jacquescas · Jan 3, 2006

Fact of the matter bently is the best option we can do, but he will most likely get franchised. Since the average of the top 5 centers can't be that high. But he will come in playing at a probowl level something that no rookie no matter how high drafted will do. Hutchinson from Seattle will probably have to be a top target but since they promised not to franchise alexander they could very well use it on him.

Battle Red Flash · Jan 3, 2006

TexanAddict said:
Would it be possible for the Texans to sign Bentley (26yrs, 2x Pro Bowler) and start to shore up the interior of the Oline? Both from a cap and recruiting perspective?

It's not only possible, it should happen. I hope we have at least two new linemen starting next year, and he would fit very nicely. He's got a mean streak too. We could use that.

bdiddy · Jan 3, 2006

LeCharles Bently will not be franchised because it is not the average of the top 5 centers, but the top 5 offensive lineman (i.e., including LTs - serious $$$). Bently will not be back because Benson is too cheap to keep him, especially after drafting Leinart.

TexanAddict · Jan 3, 2006

jacquescas said:
Fact of the matter bently is the best option we can do, but he will most likely get franchised. Since the average of the top 5 centers can't be that high. But he will come in playing at a probowl level something that no rookie no matter how high drafted will do. Hutchinson from Seattle will probably have to be a top target but since they promised not to franchise alexander they could very well use it on him.

"The team is unlikely to consider placing a franchise tag on Bentley, because then they would have to pay him the average salary of the top five offensive linemen in the league at any position -- including the high-priced left tackles."

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index...9737277260.xml

HoustonFrog · Jan 3, 2006

run-david-run said:
which is exactly why we let someone else get Mr Hype and go after something that has litteraly plagued us from DAY 1!!!

Sorry but I am going to beat this into the ground. We don't need to take an O-lineman with the 1st pick. There are many that think D'Brick is just as overrated. What is the difference between a RB getting all the hype and a Top 5 OL?Team like the Pats are built on one 2nd rounder and the rest are 3rd or below and FAs and waiver wire guys. If you look at the playoff teams, it is the same. The old Cowboys were like that. Larry Allen, 2nd round. You need the scouting dept to finally do their job and target the best O-lineman this year in middle rounds. It is a deep draft.

texan279 · Jan 30, 2006

Looks like Bentley is interested in playing for Cleveland, per kffl.com

Browns | Bentley says he is interested in returning to Cleveland
Sun, 29 Jan 2006 07:50:25 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports New Orleans Saints OC LeCharles Bentley, a native Clevelander, has told friends that he would like to return home and play for the Cleveland Browns. Bentley is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March.

LeCharles Bentley...What are our chances?

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