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. LeCharles Bentley"> Bentley Shaffer 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
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGEEEEEE!!!!!! Please look through the board before creating a new thread. It's really not THAT hard!
Browns are gonna be really good next year...now Rueben Droughns should be able to have a 1400 yard season.
The Browns! ESPN.com reports that the Browns, not the Eagles, have signed Pro Bowl C LeCharles Bentley to a multi-year contract. Philadelphia newspapers have reported all week, including Saturday, that Bentley was going to be an Eagle. The Cleveland native is a huge signing for a Browns team needing interior line help and toughness. He should help Charlie Frye and Reuben Droughns immensely. Mar. 11 - 1:21 pm et Source: ESPN.com The Browns have reached an agreement in principle with LT Kevin Shaffer, formerly of the Falcons. The deal will reportedly be worth over $5 million annually over seven years. Shaffer and Bentley immediately upgrade Cleveland's troublesome O-line and entire offensive unit. GM Phil Savage looks like the day one winner of free agency, operating under the radar to sign the two top young linemen available. Mar. 11 - 1:26 pm et Source: ESPN.com WTF!!!
Guys!!! Why cant we keep one thread going? what a waste This has been reported elsewhere on another thread, there is no reason for it to be here.
Damn! When's our turn? They got two... It's becoming clearer and clearer to me that as far as offense is concerned, it is really about the o-line. A mediocre back (Fast Willie) and supporting cast just proves that all you need is the best line available. Let's get going on that track. Mangold, Giles, Justice, and Leinart (OK, I gotta stop with him, but I can't), DO IT! Perhaps throw some dough at Hutchinson? LINE, LINE, LINE, and LEINART!!! coincidence...I think not!
What great signings by Cleveland. They're doing it right by not settling for "solid" guys on the OL. Sign OL studs, and everything else gets much easier, and the rest of the offense much better.
Production wise that works..but economically it causes a problem. It's not wise to overpay for interior linemen. See Randy Thomas.
Kffl reports the Browns are close to signing Jurevicius as well. If Braylon Edwards and Winslow can get healthy, the Browns are going to be very good. If they can get decent QB play.
You want solid guys on the o line not guys who make a ton of money. Unless the guy is a freak like Walter Jones or someone alone those lines is he worth that type of money and Bentley and Shaffer are not worth that type of money.
Very true, but... The Browns are waaaaaay under the cap. If they give a couple of guys a million or 2 extra to draw them in, I think its a good move. As long as they plan to use Bentley at guard. He is overrated at center. The Browns are a team that lacks respect right now. They will have to overpay to get guys to come. Just like the Saints among others.
