Browns Sign LeCharles Bentley!!!!

[swerb]

Elation. Joy. Excitement.

The Browns have a Pro Bowl interior lineman.

Also, they have signed OT Kevin Shaffer from Atlanta. This should mark the end of the LJ Shelton days here, especially given the jack they just threw at LeChuck.

[consigliere]

Nice.

Is Shaffer better than Shelton?

[Guest]

He's only 26, and the article I read stated that it's viewed that he has his best football in front of him.

Also had problems with speed rushers...but then again, so did LJ Shelton.

IMO, Phil saw someone that was young and had potential to develop into a long term solution, as opposed to Shelton, who is who he is, and will never really be anything more.

I know they're saying $5 million per year...but I get the feeling that it's backloaded, and he'll only see that level of money if he pans out.

Still, an EXCELLENT day already. My only question now is what they plan on doing with LeCharles and Faine. Does LeChuck want to stay as a center, or are they thinking on replacing Coleman and putting him at guard?

[swerb]

Nice.

Is Shaffer better than Shelton?

More upside, nasty, little light, struggles with speed rushers. There were alot of people who mentioned him as one of the sleepers of FA.

7th rd pick outta Tulsa, 4 year vet, has developed into a pretty solid pro.

[swerb]

FWIW, in an interview I did with Terrelle Smith last year, he said he felt Faine was more suited to play guard, and that he would eventually end up as one.

He'd need to bulk up a little bit though.

Faine is under our control for 2 more years on the cheap. I would tend to think he isn't going anywhere, and that Bentley is the center here for hopefully the next 7-8 years.

[consigliere]

Does Faine now pretty much assume the Shaun O'Hara role as the 6th lineman playing back C/G?

[Guest]

Here we go Brownies here we go

[furls]

Wow, both good signings at important and generally neglected positions in the Browns recent history. You build a championship NFL team from the offensive and defensive lines and it looks like we are going that way here in cleveland. Now lets draft for the front seven and have a true off season to get excited about.

Mike

[wmurphyhh]

Nice offseason for Reuben...contract extension and a Pro Bowl center to block for him.

Let's get a nose tackle and #2 WR then wait for the draft.

[pup]

[swerb]

Great press conference for LeCharles as well. Already had the Browns uni on. Dogging the Inbred and the terrible towels.

How refreshing to see him and Jurevicius, two local kids that said it was their dream come true to come home and play.