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

Michael Bennett is entering the second year of a four-year deal he signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, but the veteran defensive end wants a new contract. 

Continue for updates. 

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Bennett's Camp Watching Seahawks' Negotiations with Chancellor

Monday, August 3

As teammate Kam Chancellor continues to hold out for a new contract with the Seahawks, Bennett and his representatives are "monitoring the situation very closely," according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. 

ESPN Seattle's Brady Henderson confirmed Bennett was present at the beginning of Seahawks training camp on July 31. Bennett is currently seeking more money from the team and his attendance at the beginning of camp was in doubt, reported NFL.com's Ian Rapoport on July 29.

Bennett has maintained for months that he wants a new contract from Seattle. He skipped the Seahawks' organized team activities in May, telling Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times he wanted to be paid in the top tier of defensive ends. 

“Somewhere near the top seven at my position, top eight at my position," Bennett said. “Not a lot of guys play inside and out (meaning both tackle and end). Not a lot of guys do what I do. So I feel like I should be somewhere near there."

Bennett will be making a $6 million base salary in 2015. In terms of average annual salary, his $7.125 million ranks tied for 16th among defensive ends heading into next season. 

In two years with the Seahawks, Bennett has recorded 15.5 sacks and forced five fumbles. Seattle's defensive success doesn't come as the direct result of sacking the opposing quarterback, as the unit recorded only 37 sacks in 2014. 

Bennett certainly holds great value for the Seahawks because of his ability to pressure the quarterback. His ability to play inside and outside also makes him an asset for Pete Carroll's defense. 

Contract info via Spotrac.com