LeCharles Bentley on Rome

He sounds that he is definitely not going back to N.O. Sounds like he would be peeved if they franchise him. Said it is unfair and should not be used to keep him. Said they should have talked contract with him awhile back instead of throwing that tag around. I know many of you have mentioned him as a FA. He said he works out at a place called the Dungeon. No windows, no lights etc and just prison weights. I like the attitude. We could use that. He works out with Nate Clements too. Maybe we could get Bentley and have him do another sales job..redtowel:

I would love to get LeCharles Bentley and Darren Howard.

I heard the last half of the conversation. I just wonder what it will cost the Texans to get someone like Bentley.

Texans Honk said:

I would love to get LeCharles Bentley and Darren Howard.

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Cap wise some moves might not be possible but I'd like him and Will Witherspoon for the D.

just cause he doesn't want to get franchised doesn't mean he it wont happen, he is the most significant free agent, and drafts have them taking a QB in the first round so they would want a solid center infront of him even if just for 1 more year. I see him getting slapped with either the franchise or transition tag.

jacquescas said:

just cause he doesn't want to get franchised doesn't mean he it wont happen, he is the most significant free agent, and drafts have them taking a QB in the first round so they would want a solid center infront of him even if just for 1 more year. I see him getting slapped with either the franchise or transition tag.

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Unfortunately you are probably right ...

jacquescas said:

just cause he doesn't want to get franchised doesn't mean he it wont happen, he is the most significant free agent, and drafts have them taking a QB in the first round so they would want a solid center infront of him even if just for 1 more year. I see him getting slapped with either the franchise or transition tag.

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So right and he said as much in the interview. He was mature about it. He knows the business. He just said that it would upset him because he was open to discussiosn earlier where it would not have to come to this. The guy sounds hard core though and it was good to hear.

from 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.

jacquescas said:

just cause he doesn't want to get franchised doesn't mean he it wont happen, he is the most significant free agent, and drafts have them taking a QB in the first round so they would want a solid center infront of him even if just for 1 more year. I see him getting slapped with either the franchise or transition tag.

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He could always hold out and refuse to play for them, so they'd at best get to franchise/transition tag him and trade him off.

If he becomes a free agent, I think he'll end up getting a deal like 6 years, $25-28 million or so, so that could easily be affordable for us (we love throwing out large contracts to free agents anyways, and this would be a much better use of it than our deal on Todd Wade or Morlon Greenwood).

MorKnolle said:

He could always hold out and refuse to play for them, so they'd at best get to franchise/transition tag him and trade him off.

If he becomes a free agent, I think he'll end up getting a deal like 6 years, $25-28 million or so, so that could easily be affordable for us (we love throwing out large contracts to free agents anyways, and this would be a much better use of it than our deal on Todd Wade or Morlon Greenwood).

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I heard the interview too. He said he wanted to get paid and be on a winning team.

If we get him, we are gonna have to overpay.

jacquescas said:

just cause he doesn't want to get franchised doesn't mean he it wont happen, he is the most significant free agent, and drafts have them taking a QB in the first round so they would want a solid center infront of him even if just for 1 more year. I see him getting slapped with either the franchise or transition tag.

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I'm not an expert on the use of the franchise tag, but I would suspect that they are more likely to be used by teams who are making a run at the Superbowl and want to retain a key player. Basically, I wouldn't see the sense in the Saints franchising LeCharles (except for a sign and trade scenario) in order to protect a young QB if they are 100% certain that he will not be returning the following season. It would be better for them to cut their loses and develop some talent at the position, especially now when no one expects them to be very competitive anyway. Now, will the Texans pony up the bucks for Bentley if he does hit the market, that's the question. I don't know if he has the quickness/mobility to fit the mold of the zone blocking scheme although he is a great center...

Texans_Chick said:

I heard the interview too. He said he wanted to get paid and be on a winning team.

If we get him, we are gonna have to overpay.

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Overpaying for a proven pro-bowler at a need position isn't all bad. He, along with coaching, might be the only changes wee need on the o-line. That would make him a good investment.

TreWardTxn said:

I'm not an expert on the use of the franchise tag, but I would suspect that they are more likely to be used by teams who are making a run at the Superbowl and want to retain a key player. Basically, I wouldn't see the sense in the Saints franchising LeCharles (except for a sign and trade scenario) in order to protect a young QB if they are 100% certain that he will not be returning the following season. It would be better for them to cut their loses and develop some talent at the position, especially now when no one expects them to be very competitive anyway. Now, will the Texans pony up the bucks for Bentley if he does hit the market, that's the question...What's this about wanting to be on a winning team, but then playing for the Browns? Even if he can get Frye some protection, I'm not so sure about that...

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He was pretty clear that he didn't want to be franchised, that he wanted to test the market. He was very lukewarm in talking about staying in New Orleans, basically saying he liked the city and the people a lot. Talking also how he thought Haslett shoulda stayed but it wasn't my decision. He didn't seem that happy with management.

The Browns talk is that he went to THE Ohio State. So going home might have some allure for him.

Here is a question for you draftniks and salary gap and value people.

(Assume the Texans are not set in stone in what they are gonna do).

Let's say NO franchises Bentley because he is someone that has some value for them. And they don't want him to just leave, because they are pretty sure they can't re-sign him.

Carr for Bentley. Fat contract trade.

Then we take a QB #1 and have Bentley and they would get Carr and Bush.

Is this doable? What would be the problems with it? Who would need extra value to make this something they would want to do?

Apologize if this is a dumb question, or has been covered otherwise--I looked.

(And please don't use this as just a forum to bash players you do not like. I am just curious and want a straight up answer).

Texans_Chick said:

Let's say NO franchises Bentley because he is someone that has some value for them. And they don't want him to just leave, because they are pretty sure they can't re-sign him.

Carr for Bentley. Fat contract trade.

Then we take a QB #1 and have Bentley and they would get Carr and Bush.

Is this doable? What would be the problems with it? Who would need extra value to make this something they would want to do?

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The draft picks would not be a factor then. You are basically talking about trading Carr for Bentley straight up. Lets assume Bentley signs the 1-year franchise contract (no bonus included) and Carr gets the 3 year extension ($8 million bonus). In all likelihood, the Texans would have to have a contract extension in place with Bentley before they would even think about the trade. The Saints would have zero dead money added to their cap for this year because Bentley has no bonus included in his 1-year contract. The Texans, however, would have to eat the entire $8 million on the 2006 cap. It just isn't a smart trade after Carr signs the extension.

Now, if Carr were traded before the extension bonus hit (deadline is 2 weeks after the Super Bowl), then it would have zero cap hit on either team. The same is true if Carr were franchised instead of the team using one of the two contract extension options. There would be no cap hit in trading him.

Texans_Chick said:

Here is a question for you draftniks and salary gap and value people.

(Assume the Texans are not set in stone in what they are gonna do).

Let's say NO franchises Bentley because he is someone that has some value for them. And they don't want him to just leave, because they are pretty sure they can't re-sign him.

Carr for Bentley. Fat contract trade.

Then we take a QB #1 and have Bentley and they would get Carr and Bush.

Is this doable? What would be the problems with it? Who would need extra value to make this something they would want to do?

Apologize if this is a dumb question, or has been covered otherwise--I looked.

(And please don't use this as just a forum to bash players you do not like. I am just curious and want a straight up answer).

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Thats an interesting question you pose. I think it would be hard for NO to pull off that deal for a couple reasons:

1. They are sitting at 2 and have the chance at either Young or Leinart. If they trade for Carr, that says they believe that Carr is a better option than either of those two. This might be possible in the longrun, but the fact is that Carr has been beaten up pretty badly his first four years in the league. And, he really hasnt shown himself to be a stud QB. The reason for this can be argued, but his numbers were not great.

2. Bentley is a strong OC and it might not be possible to replace him in this draft. I am not sure who the backup is but I am not sure that he could step up and make the transition. Also the loss of bentley will effect Duece McCalister.

One reason they might do it is:
Deuce McCalister is a power back I can see the argument that it would be a great move to add Bush. Afterall, you have Carr, Bush, McCalister, Horn, and Stallworth. Thats a young solid group of players.

Now, the question is, would the Texans pull off this move? If they did, they would have Young or Leinart, Bentley, DD, AJ, and MAthis. I think they texans might want 3rd rounder as well. That would give them 3 3rd rounders. They could package two fo them and move into the second for an additional pick.

Overall its an interesting idea, but not likely one that would come to fruition.

Texans_Chick said:

He said he wanted to get paid and be on a winning team.

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Bummer. That rules the Texans out next year. Along with the salary and the fact that he wants to play in Ohio, I don't think we stand much of a chance to sign him. Oh well, such is life.

TheOgre said:

The draft picks would not be a factor then. You are basically talking about trading Carr for Bentley straight up. Lets assume Bentley signs the 1-year franchise contract (no bonus included) and Carr gets the 3 year extension ($8 million bonus). In all likelihood, the Texans would have to have a contract extension in place with Bentley before they would even think about the trade. The Saints would have zero dead money added to their cap for this year because Bentley has no bonus included in his 1-year contract. The Texans, however, would have to eat the entire $8 million on the 2006 cap. It just isn't a smart trade after Carr signs the extension.

Now, if Carr were traded before the extension bonus hit (deadline is 2 weeks after the Super Bowl), then it would have zero cap hit on either team. The same is true if Carr were franchised instead of the team using one of the two contract extension options. There would be no cap hit in trading him.

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Hmmm.

How could you trade Carr without extending him first? He doesn't really have an incentive to want to go to New Orleans so renegotiating his contract and then trading him to New Orleans is a no go.

awtysst said:

Thats an interesting question you pose. I think it would be hard for NO to pull off that deal for a couple reasons:

1. They are sitting at 2 and have the chance at either Young or Leinart. If they trade for Carr, that says they believe that Carr is a better option than either of those two. This might be possible in the longrun, but the fact is that Carr has been beaten up pretty badly his first four years in the league. And, he really hasnt shown himself to be a stud QB. The reason for this can be argued, but his numbers were not great.

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They might think that a developed QB with a strong arm would be better in the short term than what has happened to rookie QBs who have started right away in the NFL. An experienced QB and with Bush too. Or D'Brick if they wanted to go that way. Basically, the argument that the people who like the Carr/Bush or D'Brick thing are saying.

2. Bentley is a strong OC and it might not be possible to replace him in this draft. I am not sure who the backup is but I am not sure that he could step up and make the transition. Also the loss of bentley will effect Duece McCalister.

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It is possible they lose Bentley anyways. From the Rome interview, it dint sound like he wanted to be there. And that he was gonna be mad if he were franchised because he wanted the freedom to chose his own destiny. Might hold out if he is angry enough.

One reason they might do it is:
Deuce McCalister is a power back I can see the argument that it would be a great move to add Bush. Afterall, you have Carr, Bush, McCalister, Horn, and Stallworth. Thats a young solid group of players.

Now, the question is, would the Texans pull off this move? If they did, they would have Young or Leinart, Bentley, DD, AJ, and MAthis. I think they texans might want 3rd rounder as well. That would give them 3 3rd rounders. They could package two fo them and move into the second for an additional pick.

Overall its an interesting idea, but not likely one that would come to fruition.

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I think it has about negative infinity chance of happening, but I was just curious.

If Bentley becomes a FA, I think there is a VERY good chance the Texans will get him. MONEY TALKS!!

Texans_Chick said:

Hmmm.

How could you trade Carr without extending him first? He doesn't really have an incentive to want to go to New Orleans so renegotiating his contract and then trading him to New Orleans is a no go.

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If we extend Carr's contract, I would be really surprised to see him traded. It doesn't mean we won't take Young. We could do what San Diego did (Brees and Rivers) and let Young sit on the bench and see if Carr gets rolling. If he does, then we have a nice trade piece in a year or two.

TheOgre said:

If we extend Carr's contract, I would be really surprised to see him traded. It doesn't mean we won't take Young. We could do what San Diego did (Brees and Rivers) and let Young sit on the bench and see if Carr gets rolling. If he does, then we have a nice trade piece in a year or two.

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I just don't see that happening. That by taking Young, instead of Bush or D'Brick for example, you are not giving Carr any more tools for success--there is no way that McNair would be cool with that.

I think reality is slowly catching up to John McClain. He has finally been persuaded that the San Diego scenario really wouldn't work here because of the lack of faith in Carr, and the popularity of Young. The backup QB is often a popular guy, but with Young, it would be extreme. He wouldn't want Young to start immediately, but he was talking getting a veteran QB guy in here.

It is like Casserly said the other day in so many words. Would you want Carr and Bush or VY and whatever you could get for Carr? Which got me thinking about teams that had a need for a QB, and had stuff that we needed. Just thinking really hypothetically. Not just Bentley, but in general.

But back to reality, one way or another, it will non-surprise me if we take Bush. It will surprise me a little if we get a trade which is worth a lick and we take it. I will faint dead away if they take Young.

I think the only way it is possible we take Young is if he has the most impressive QB display on the face of the planet at the combine. It would have to be so beyondo anyone's expectations, which given the expectations of some, is darn near impossible. Combines are more about nitpicking and criticizing, of CYAing and finding non-perfection versus playing the game, so absolutely blowing doors off is hard to do.

But then again, I thought there was no way the Rose Bowl would live up to the hype, and it did, and then some.

awtysst said:

Now, the question is, would the Texans pull off this move? If they did, they would have Young or Leinart, Bentley, DD, AJ, and MAthis. I think they texans might want 3rd rounder as well. That would give them 3 3rd rounders. They could package two fo them and move into the second for an additional pick.

Overall its an interesting idea, but not likely one that would come to fruition.

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Only flaw I see with this is that the 3rd rounder we have this year is already from the Saints so we can't get a 3rd this year from them.

Double Barrel said:

Bummer. That rules the Texans out next year. Along with the salary and the fact that he wants to play in Ohio, I don't think we stand much of a chance to sign him. Oh well, such is life.

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its nice to win, but its a lot better to be the reason for the win.

It's never safe to say never, I'd seriusly doubt that they would trade Carr.

Getting Bentley would go a long way to improving the interior of our line. It would technically makes us a T short of a decent line. Now I dont particularly want to keep McKinney or Weigert at their current cap levels, but if they are willing to restructure then we would be able to talk since they are both good guards. Bentley would like to head home to Cleveland and they will have the cash to battle us in the contract should he shake free, should he not though we might be able to engineer a swap pick and player trade scenario. Mainly people like Wade and the sort that they would need, they would also likely be interested in one of our OLBs since that is a major need for them.

I thought I saw this discussed in another thread, but it doesn't make sense to franchise a center. If they franchise him, they have to pay him the average salary of the top 5 offensive LINEMEN in the NFL, not just CENTERS. I don't think I would want my center being paid the average salary of the top 5 LEFT TACKLES, because that is what it would end up being.

Maybe a salary cap expert can confirm/refute this...