Source: Seattle Seahawks Shopping Michael Bennett
An NFL source has said that the Seattle Seahawks have been shopping Michael Bennett their Pro-Bowl defensive line in trade talks.
Michael Bennett, who is 32, was second in 2017 with 8 ½ sacks for the Seahawks. He signed a contract extension for three years during December of 2016. He enjoyed a productive season in 2017. However, he expressed doubts over his future following the team’s last game, saying he likely would not return.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll was asked about the defensive lineman’s status in light of his comments.
He said he hadn’t talked with Bennett for a while, but it’s a time of year when conversations are had.
Michael Bennett will count close to $7.4 million against the salary cap of Seattle in 2018. Through releasing or trading him prior to June 1, Seattle would save approximately $2.2million on the salary cap for 2018.
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A release or trade would likely happen prior to March 18. That is when Bennett would be owed a roster bonus of $3 million. Bennett’s contract has three years remaining.
The defensive line for the Seahawks could look quite different when the 2018 season arrives. Sheldon Richardson, who was acquired prior to the start of the 2017 season in a trade with the Jets, is amongst 16 players that are unrestricted free agents for the Seahawks and might ask for too much to remain in Seattle.
Read more: Seahawks Getting Ready for Relaunch
The football future of Cliff Avril is unknown due to the neck injury he sustained during last season. Second round pick Malik McDowell might be unavailable after missing 2017, his rookie season, due to what was described as a severe concussion from an accident during the summer on an ATV.
There was no update from Carroll on Thursday on the status of Avril or that of Kam Chancellor the team’s starting strong safety, who suffered a neck injury during last season that was called career threatening.
Since being signed in 2013, Bennett’s presence has been an instrumental part of the success of Seattle’s defense. He has 39 sacks during the last five seasons and is the leader of the defensive lineman for playing time when not injured.
