Michael Bennett Contract: Latest News, Rumors on DE's Negotiations with Seahawks

Matt FitzgeraldJul 21, 2016

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett still has two years left on his contract but could be angling for a new deal.

Continue for updates.

Bennett Reports to Seahawks

Saturday, July 30

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that "Bennett is at the facility. Crisis averted. He's ready to go."

Schneider Comments on Bennett Negotiations

Thursday, July 28

Seahawks general manager John Schneider said he expects Bennett to report Friday but couldn't discuss the status of contract negotiations, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

Bennett's Agent to Meet with Seahawks

Monday, July 25

ESPN's Josina Anderson noted Monday she was told by a source that "Bennett's agent is planning to meet [with the Seahawks] early this week over Bennett's desires for a new deal."

Bennett Comments on Contract Outlook

Thursday, July 21

In a report by the Huffington Post's Jordan Schultz, Bennett suggested Seattle should let him play elsewhere if the plan isn't to pay him big money.

"It is never-ending," said Bennett. "Especially when people are getting new contracts every day. You sit there and you're like, 'Damn, really?' I'm just to the point where it’s kind of like, if you don't think I'm valuable, then just get rid of me."

Bennett added, "I just want to be fairly compensated with the top guys in the league. I'm definitely one of the top five defensive ends."

Carroll Comments on Bennett

Thursday, July 21

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told Schultz that Seattle will "make an effort" to keep Bennett in the fold.

"Bennett is an extraordinary individual and an extraordinary teammate," Carroll said. "I love the heck out of him. ... He's not wrong. He's right [to be frustrated]."

Bennett Cemented Among NFL's Top DEs

As Schultz pointed out, Bennett led 4-3 defensive ends with 91 quarterback pressures last season and was in the top 10 among 4-3 defensive ends in Pro Football Focus' run-stop percentage.

Bennett had 10 sacks in 2015 as well, and his window for a massive payday is getting smaller, as he'll turn 31 in November. Per Spotrac, he's due to make $4 million and $6 million in base salary in the next two seasons.

Jason B. Hirschhorn of Sports on Earth projected what Bennett would command in free agency:

Other Seahawks stars, such as quarterback Russell Wilson, middle linebacker Bobby Wagner and others, are making considerably more than Bennett.

Part of the problem of having such a loaded team—thanks to savvy free-agent signings, drafting well and even digging up undrafted gems—is everyone needs to be compensated accordingly at some point. Otherwise, the possibility of parting ways becomes prevalent.