Seahawks DE Michael Bennett Could Hold Out Of Training Camp?

Seahawks DE Michael Bennett indicated that he could hold out of training camp if he doesn’t receive a new contract.

“Hawaii’s weather is great, so I’ll just keep it at that,” said Bennett, via KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello. “When the weather’s not as nice as it is here, it’s harder to make that decision, so it just keeps it in my mind like hopefully something great comes out of it, but I don’t mind staying home for a little while.”

Bennett reiterated his belief that he’s already outplayed his most recent contract.

“Of course, I think I’ve outplayed the contract that they gave me,”  Bennett said. “It’s one of those things where you have to let your agent do the talking with the team and hopefully something good comes out of it. It never hurts to try.”

Bennett had said previously that he would like to be paid as a top-eight defensive end.

“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, 29, signed four-year, $32 million contract that included $16 million guaranteed with the Seahawks in March of last year. He still has another three years remaining on the agreement to go along with base salaries of $6 million (2015), $4 million (2016), and $6 million (2017).

In 2014, Bennett appeared in all 16 games and recorded 39 tackles, seven sacks, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 defensive end in a 4-3 defense out of 59 qualifying players.