Eagles to sign Pro Bowl center first, source says

[AlToon]

The Eagles will have to wait a few more days, but it appears as if their first big free-agent signing of the off-season is going to be LeCharles Bentley, the Pro Bowl center from the New Orleans Saints.

According to a source close to the center, Bentley's interest in joining the Eagles is so strong that only the delay in the free-agency period prevented the move from happening today.

Free-agent signings were supposed to start today, but the NFL moved the date back to Monday in the slim hope that it can still negotiate an extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.

It has been no secret that the Eagles' primary goal this off-season is to improve on both the offensive and defensive lines. There had been speculation recently that they might try to sign New York Jets center Kevin Mawae if he was released as part of a salary-cap purge.

Mawae, a 12-year veteran, actually was released yesterday, but it makes far more sense for the Eagles to sign Bentley, who is only 26 years old and presumably just moving into the prime of his career.

The Eagles certainly have the salary-cap room needed to make Bentley the kind of offer that would lure him to Philadelphia

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[GreenGiant 32]

I knew their supposed interest in Mawae was a smokescreen. It really flew in the face of everything they have been doing the last 5-6 years of basically never signing anyone over 30. I also had a strong suspicion they would be the front runners to land Bentley. Too bad to, he's a pretty damn good player.

[Murrell2878]

that sucks. I had hoped if we had lost Mawae we would be able to get Bentley. But if the trade happens with Denver maybe we'll be able to get Mangold

[AlToon]

The Eagles boss Joe Banner is one of the best cap guys in the business.They don't believe in big signing bonuses.Always seem to have cap space every year.Draft well.Extend them early and let them go get the ridiculous money somewhere else

Esteemed Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin stated, "The Eagles [under Banner] have developed a strategy for the salary cap. And now it's the blueprint for financial success in the NFL: Draft well, play them young, extend them early."

The New York Times hailed Banner as "the Joe Montana of the salary cap. He's simply the best."

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli says he "should be the poster child for crafty and responsible salary cap management."

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[AlToon]

Tampering?Did the Eagles contact his agent or did the agent contact the Eagles?Free agency hasn't even started yet

[GreenGiant 32]

Tampering?Did the Eagles contact his agent or did the agent contact the Eagles?Free agency hasn't even started yet

This happens every year. You see guys signed a few hours, or even minutes after free agency begins. Did the team tamper? undoubtedly, yes. Can anyone prove it? No. Although in this case how can you blame the Eagles when it is Bentley himself that is making the overtures?

[twinjetfan]

What happened to Hank Fraley? He was a pretty good center for the Eagles. I know he got injured, and I don't think he is a free agent.

[Khan]

He got injured, he got injured every year besides his first.

[kinghenry89]

The Eagles boss Joe Banner is one of the best cap guys in the business.They don't believe in big signing bonuses.Always seem to have cap space every year.Draft well.Extend them early and let them go get the ridiculous money somewhere else

Esteemed Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin stated, "The Eagles [under Banner] have developed a strategy for the salary cap. And now it's the blueprint for financial success in the NFL: Draft well, play them young, extend them early."

The New York Times hailed Banner as "the Joe Montana of the salary cap. He's simply the best."

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli says he "should be the poster child for crafty and responsible salary cap management."

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Even though with all their injuries the bottom fell out of their last season, it's hard to make an argument that any team has a better front office than Philadelphia (except for New England, of course.)

[JHTJ]

Saints | Bentley denies report
Sat, 4 Mar 2006 06:39:00 -0800
Mike Triplett, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints OC LeCharles Bentley denied Friday, March 3, a Philadelphia newspaper report that he is planning to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles as soon as free agency begins Monday, March 6. One thing that is clear is Bentley will not be returning to the Saints. Earlier this week, he made his strongest comment yet, telling CBSportsline that, "I would rather sit out a season than play for the Saints again."