“I think the biggest thing (Executive Vice President/General Manager) Mickey (Loomis) is asking me to do is just kind of view the landscape of what’s happening in the building, where I can add value in the evaluation process and development of players,” Bentley said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time watching film, so I’ve kind of hit multiple areas. I’ve spent time in the weight room, I’ve spent time on the field, I’ve spent time upstairs being able to assess and evaluate players and I also sit in meetings.

“I’m touching multiple places and for me, I really enjoy that because it’s a challenge. But it also aligns with my personal skill sets. I don’t want to get into coaching, or have aspirations of being a coach. But I enjoy being able to serve the game and also be able to do so at a much higher level.”

Bentley said re-joining the Saints is a full-circle career moment.

“I would have to say it’s more surreal than exciting right now,” he said. “I think life, in general, kind of works in a circle. But for me, it has been very much so a big loop.

“Mickey was the GM my entire time here. However, (Saints senior personnel advisor) Randy Mueller drafted me (Mueller was Saints general manager in 2001-02), and to be back in the building with both of them. …

“But also from another perspective, to be under their tutelage in another chapter of life is a bit surreal. I really appreciate this time because it’s a different season of my life, and I’m enjoying it. So to be able to kind of kick off that next chapter back at home – where else would be a better place to do so?”

Bentley will continue to train offensive line athletes in the offseason, as well as serve as the NFL’s senior adviser of player performance and development.

But during the season, his ear will be tuned in to the Saints and he’ll talk with players when warranted.

“We have great coaches, but I think one of the value adds that is a little bit different for me is, it’s peer-to-peer engagement,” he said. “I’m older than all of these guys – significantly older. But I’m still viewed as a peer, and that’s something that as a guy who has done it, I respect and appreciate that. And I serve in that.

“But at the same time, who and what I was as a player, that’s yesteryears ago and I still have to have the mind-set of focusing on how I can add value to the organization.”