Backup center discussion

[MTK]

My take is why create a controversy when there's no glaring need at center?

We need a backup, not another starter.

[Crash]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

My take is why create a controversy when there's no glaring need at center?

We need a backup, not another starter.

AGREED!!!

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

My take is why create a controversy when there's no glaring need at center?

We need a backup, not another starter.

What I'm most frustrated about is that we didn't take either Justice or Pollack in the draft. Much like we did with receivers, the Colts took both of the best centers available. It's definitely a spot we could have taken a center at without much problem. We still would have gotten Brooks.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

My take is why create a controversy when there's no glaring need at center?

We need a backup, not another starter.

Except for the fact that he's had knee injuries and everyone against taking him is saying he's damaged goods. Damaged goods screams back up role. So....sign him as a back up and tell him with coach Bugels help he may challenge for the Guard or Center spot. Either way it pushes our current players, puts the best man on the field, allows him to challenge for a starting role with a team (cough,cough) who is making a run to go deeper into the play offs, and he gets the best trainer in Buges. Buges has a way of taking people who have been written off by teams and making them Pro Bowl players...ie; Samuels. am I wrong?

I don't know the guy well enough to make an informed decision but....if we need O-lineman then it would be crazy for the HC and the owner to not take a look at him and see if they can under cut the other competition out there for a position everyone knows we need more people at.

It never hurts to make a phone call and see what he's requesting. All we as fans get are the rumors. and who knows maybe in his mind he's a starter and wants to play. good for him. can't hurt to call and see what the asking price is and if it's with in reason see if he would like to be a skin training with the best.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

My take is why create a controversy when there's no glaring need at center?

We need a backup, not another starter.

I agree that Rabach is the unquestioned starter at C, regardless of who we bring in. Casey is quietly one of the best, most consistent centers in the league, and he's great in the locker room.

SmootSmack mentioned he heard part of the reason LeCharles asked out of Cleveland was because he wanted to play guard. Pete Kendall is 35. He's still good, but if Bentley really wants a shot at guard we'd be foolish not to give him a look. SS, any confirmation on this? I couldn't find anything about it.

Also, I have a question- he still has 4 years left on a 6 yr $36M deal. What happens to that since he was released? Does the team who picks him up have to pick up his contract as well? If so, I imagine he'll have to restructure that deal to find work....

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I agree that Rabach is the unquestioned starter at C, regardless of who we bring in. Casey is quietly one of the best, most consistent centers in the league, and he's great in the locker room.

SmootSmack mentioned he heard part of the reason LeCharles asked out of Cleveland was because he wanted to play guard. Pete Kendall is 35. He's still good, but if Bentley really wants a shot at guard we'd be foolish not to give him a look. SS, any confirmation on this? I couldn't find anything about it.

Also, I have a question- he still has 4 years left on a 6 yr $36M deal. What happens to that since he was released? Does the team who picks him up have to pick up his contract as well? If so, I imagine he'll have to restructure that deal to find work....

Since he was released his contract with the Browns is terminated. Anyone who signs him is free to sign him to a new deal.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by GMScud

SmootSmack mentioned he heard part of the reason LeCharles asked out of Cleveland was because he wanted to play guard. Pete Kendall is 35. He's still good, but if Bentley really wants a shot at guard we'd be foolish not to give him a look. SS, any confirmation on this? I couldn't find anything about it.

Best I could find

Burress is one of many players unhappy with current deal

"Bentley would prefer to play guard, but could play center just as easily."

[MTK]

I'm all for giving this guy a look as a backup don't get me wrong. If the price is right and he understands the role he would be coming in to that's great. I just don't agree with giving him starter type of money and opening up a competition at center.

[hagams]

I'm not thinking this is huge. If the C goes down, god forbid and someone sub-par has to stepin we can just put big Mike Sellers in and give them some support until the blitzing stops. We'll be fine.

[ecupirate08]

samuels was the #3 pick in the 2000 draft... i dont think he was ever "written off"... buges is a good coach but no one can do much with "damaged goods", but hell id take bentley for the right price.

[RedskinMike]

Lecharles Bentley pre-injury was very, very good. Thats why he got that huge contract. Then got hurt on the first day of camp and never played a down for the Browns. A vet minimum contract would be all I would be willing to risk. With two knee injuries I don't think he will ever get back to form again. The reason he asked to be released was so he could start. The browns had already gone in another direction. I don't think he would sign here just to be a backup.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by RedskinMike

Lecharles Bentley pre-injury was very, very good. Thats why he got that huge contract. Then got hurt on the first day of camp and never played a down for the Browns. A vet minimum contract would be all I would be willing to risk. With two knee injuries I don't think he will ever get back to form again. The reason he asked to be released was so he could start. The browns had already gone in another direction. I don't think he would sign here just to be a backup.

Finally! I was wondering when someone would say it.

[freddyg12]

Anyone that knows better, correct me if I'm wrong. the waiver process is such that teams are essentially in line to claim players just as they are in the draft. If that's true, there will be 20 or so teams w/a chance to get him before us. that's the reason we traded a 7th to Minn, so the teams before us couldn't get Erasmus James.

I would doubt we get a chance at him on waivers & seriously doubt we'd try to trade for him as we did w/Minnesota when we had them pull James from the waiver wire.

If however, he's available to us, that would be a sign that no one else wanted him due to his injury history, or because he's not likely to challenge for a starting spot. If he does fall to us, he's worth a shot, but only if he understands the starting C position is taken. It's a long shot for him to come to dc though.

[sandtrapjack]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

Anyone that knows better, correct me if I'm wrong. the waiver process is such that teams are essentially in line to claim players just as they are in the draft. If that's true, there will be 20 or so teams w/a chance to get him before us. that's the reason we traded a 7th to Minn, so the teams before us couldn't get Erasmus James.

I would doubt we get a chance at him on waivers & seriously doubt we'd try to trade for him as we did w/Minnesota when we had them pull James from the waiver wire.

If however, he's available to us, that would be a sign that no one else wanted him due to his injury history, or because he's not likely to challenge for a starting spot. If he does fall to us, he's worth a shot, but only if he understands the starting C position is taken. It's a long shot for him to come to dc though.

You are correct, but Bentley was not waived he was released. There is a difference actually.

When a player is waived, then the remaining 31 teams, in the same order as the draft have the option of signing the player that was waived. The thing is when you sign a player that was waived, you also inherit his contract he had with the team that waived him.

However, when given their outright release (such as Bentley), the draft order does not come into play and the player is free to negotiate with any team in the league.

Step cautiosly with Bentley. I am sure he will get a call. There will be a team with a training camp injury or something and there will be a need and his phone will ring.

But expect a heavily loaded back-ended contract where he is concerned. Small money at the start for certain. There is no question on his talent, none on his desire. The biggest question mark is 2 years without lining up over center. His health is a major concern.

So with a heavy back-ended deal, he is provded the chance to prove his health at minimal risk to the club. IF he is able to do that, then expect his deal to get renegotiated in the second or third year.

But he has a lot to prove health wise first and foremost.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by sandtrapjack

You are correct, but Bentley was not waived he was released. There is a difference actually.

When a player is waived, then the remaining 31 teams, in the same order as the draft have the option of signing the player that was waived. The thing is when you sign a player that was waived, you also inherit his contract he had with the team that waived him.

However, when given their outright release (such as Bentley), the draft order does not come into play and the player is free to negotiate with any team in the league.

Step cautiosly with Bentley. I am sure he will get a call. There will be a team with a training camp injury or something and there will be a need and his phone will ring.

But expect a heavily loaded back-ended contract where he is concerned. Small money at the start for certain. There is no question on his talent, none on his desire. The biggest question mark is 2 years without lining up over center. His health is a major concern.

So with a heavy back-ended deal, he is provded the chance to prove his health at minimal risk to the club. IF he is able to do that, then expect his deal to get renegotiated in the second or third year.

But he has a lot to prove health wise first and foremost.

Good post. I suggested he get a very average base salary, with the contract being very incentive-laden, based largely on games played.