Saints lineman has caught Minnesota's eye
Pro Bowl offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley appears to be near the top of the Vikings' wish list as they make plans to upgrade their line heading into the NFL free-agency period Friday.
By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
Last update: February 28, 2006 – 10:25 PM
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Pro Bowl offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley appears to be near the top of the Vikings' wish list as they make plans to upgrade their line heading into the NFL free-agency period Friday.
Bentley is considered one of the top linemen available and would give the Vikings valuable versatility. A center at Ohio State, Bentley started at right guard for two seasons after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round in 2002. He was shifted back to center in 2004.

The Vikings, who are expected to have the most salary cap room of any NFL team (about $24 million), likely would use Bentley at right guard but also would have him as an insurance policy should center Matt Birk have any trouble after missing last season because of surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. Adam Goldberg finished last season as the starter at right guard with Anthony Herrera at left guard.

A person with knowledge of the situation said the Vikings are "extremely interested" in Bentley.

Bentley, 26, has put together an impressive résumé in his time with the Saints, having been elected to the Pro Bowl in 2003 and last season. He was voted in as an alternate in 2004. He also was a near-unanimous choice for NFL all-rookie honors in 2002 and was named the NFL offensive rookie of the year by Sports Illustrated that season.

Bentley, who is 6-2, 313 pounds, has missed time because of injury in three of four seasons; he missed two games last season because of an elbow injury.

The Saints elected not to put a franchise or transition tag on Bentley, and he admitted to being disappointed the team did not try to sign him to a long-term deal.

The Vikings also are interested in San Diego left guard Kris Dielman, but he is a restricted free agent.