Falcons Among Multiple Teams Discussing Potential Trade For DE Michael Bennett

Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports that the Falcons are one of the multiple teams discussing a DE Michael Bennett trade with the Seahawks. According to McClure, nothing is imminent right now, but this is something worth watching.

Bennett has an obvious tie to Falcons HC Dan Quinn, who previously worked with him while they were in Seattle together. Falcons DC Marquand Manuel was also a defensive assistant in Seattle.

Atlanta could use some defensive line depth and Bennett can provide both pass rush help and some versatility up front.

Last week, Brady Henderson of ESPN reported that the Seahawks are shopping Bennett in trade talks at the Combine and Jason La Canfora later added that Seattle is intent on moving him this offseason.

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll told reporters at the Combine that he hasn’t spoken to Bennett in a while.

“I haven’t talked to Mike in a while now but it’s the time of year, conversations going in all directions,” Carroll said.

Bennett previously admitted that he “probably won’t be back” with Seattle next year.

“Just seems like it’s a young man’s game. I can see them going younger, with younger players,” Bennett said. “That’s part of the game.”

Bennett added that it wouldn’t be surprising if the team makes a lot of changes before the 2018 season.

“I expect there to be a lot of changes,” Bennett said. “Especially when you lose, there’s always changes. … Like I said, it’s a young man’s game. We lost a lot of players, and we’ve seen some of those great players, when those young people got in the game they had to be prepared. So I could see trying to get those guys going and seeing what happens.

“With me, I’m fine. I mean, whatever happens, I’ve loved being a Seahawk. … You love the organization. You love the players that you played with. We’ve won a lot of games. So if I am not here I would never have any hard feelings toward the organization. I love Pete Carroll and (general manager) John Schneider, and we just move forward. It’s part of football.

“This is just part of sports. It just keep growing and you continuously play for another organization, if you have the opportunity.”

Bennett, 32, began his NFL career with the Buccaneers and spent four years in Tampa Bay before signing on with the Seahawks as a free agent back in 2013. Seattle signed him to a new four-year, $39 million contract that included $17.5 million guaranteed last year.

Bennett stands to make base salaries of $1.5 million and $6 million over the next two years of the agreement.

According to OverTheCap.com, trading or releasing Bennett would free up $2,025,000 of available cap space while creating $5,212,500 in dead money. However, if they designate him as a post-June 1 release, those figures improve to $5.5 million in cap savings and just $1,737,500 in dead money.

In 2017, Bennett had appeared in 16 games for the Seahawks and recorded 40 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and a pass defense.

We’ll have more regarding Bennett as the news is available.