Michael Bennett Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation on Seahawks DE

In 2014, Michael Bennett signed a below-market contract with the Seattle Seahawks in what looked like a massive hometown discount. A year later, it appears he's lived to regret that decision. 

Continue for updates.

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Bennett Wants Trade to Falcons, Extension

Tuesday, March 17

Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Bennett has requested a trade to the Atlanta Falcons:

However, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, the Seahawks haven't heard anything regarding Bennett's request:

Bennett, 29, is heading into the second season of a four-year, $28.5 million contract he signed with Seattle last offseason. The stud defensive end has been an integral part of Seattle's front seven each of the last two seasons, emerging as one of the best all-around players at his position. He had 38 tackles and seven sacks in 2014, numbers that don't do justice to his per-snap production.  

Pro Football Focus ranked Bennett sixth among 4-3 defensive ends in pass-rushing production and eighth in run stop percentage last season. His all-around production made him the second-best overall defensive end behind Cameron Wake.

USA TODAY Sports

While those numbers are typical of someone who would get paid big money on the open market, Bennett had that chance last season and chose to return to Seattle. Many expected Bennett to land a deal that would put him among the league's highest-paid defensive ends, but he wound up taking far less to stay with the Seahawks. 

It's also unlikely the Seahawks would be willing to trade Bennett without receiving big-time compensation in return. By trading him, they would incur a $12 million cap acceleration in dead money, which is $4 million more than the charge they'd have by keeping him.

Also unclear is how much Bennett's unhappiness is tied to the arrival of tight end Jimmy Graham. A year ago, Bennett called the newly minted Seahawk "overrated" among other derisive adjectives.

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Contract info via Spotrac.