Cleveland Browns: 20 Worst free agents signings in franchise history

Cleveland Browns worst free agents signings No. 13: LeCharles Bentley, Center

This one wasn’t really a bad move by the team so much as it was just a bad stroke of luck for the player who they landed. Another former Ohio State star, LeCharles Bentley was a second-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2002 and started 57 games over the course of four seasons for them.

Once his rookie contract was up, he hit the open market and the Browns gladly brought the Cleveland kid home to play for them. There was a little drama beforehand as the Philadelphia Eagles had actually agreed to terms with Bentley but before actually signing a contract, he changed his mind and joined the Browns on a six-year, $36 million contract.

Then, things went in the wrong direction. In training camp, Bentley tore his patellar tendon during drills and missed the 2006 season due to the injury. Things got worse as staph infections and multiple surgeries led to Bentley nearly losing his leg.

Bentley was eventually cleared by doctors to play again but his knee was never 100 percent. He missed the 2007 season and finally in 2008, he passed a physical but asked to be released. Cleveland granted him his request and despite having some interest, Bentley never signed anywhere else.

He should have been a stud as the Browns brought home the Ohio State product. Unfortunately, injuries led to his demise as a professional player and the Browns didn’t get a great return on their huge investment.