LeCharles Bentley Watch is Back On

by: Michael Steffes

There were reports earlier in the offseason that the Seahawks had at least inquired about LeCharles Bentley. They may be re-inquiring as we speak.

For those who don't know, Bentley blossomed as a promising young guard/center in New Orleans. He then became a free agent, at which one point he agreed to a deal with the Eagles before the actual free agency period began. He then re-neged and signed a huge deal with his hometown Cleveland Browns. He never played a snap for the Browns. He suffered a serious knee injury, complicated by the ever so chic "Cleveland Staph infection." After numerous surgeries he was supposedly ready to play this year, but Cleveland decided to go in a different direction. The rumor is that Bentley has gotten offers from St. Louis, San Francisco, and New England, but is contemplating retirement as well.

The benefit is the obvious, Bentley was a top flight linemen before his injury. However he now hasn't played in two years, and may still not be healthy. However, he would only be expected to be a back up, and if the Hawks could get him on a cheap deal, assuming he can play, it wouldn't be the worst pickup ever. Of course, Bentley has said he prefers to be a guard.

It has all the makings of a Jamie Sharper like signing, but there would be a high upside possibility. Trust Tim, he will make sure this team isn't ill prepared heading into Coaches final year. It will be interesting to see if Bentley's name gets tossed into the hat. If not, it will be another free agent or Steve Vallos who the team will be relying on. ~END~