Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Monday’s “NFL Total Access” that the Seahawks are hoping to trade DE Michael Bennett before the start of free agency on March 14 and have already begun trade talks involving him.
“From what I understand, (the Seahawks) want this trade to happen sooner rather than later,” Rapoport said. “So maybe the next week or so before Michael Bennett officially leaves the Seahawks.”
Rapoport confirms prior reports that the Falcons are among the interested teams in Bennett.
As for S Earl Thomas, Rapoport says that the Seahawks would prefer to sign him to a new long-term deal to keep him in Seattle for the foreseeable future. According to Rapoport, Thomas is “firmly in their plans for the 2018 season.”
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.
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.
Thomas, 28, is a former first-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2010. He’s entering the final year of his five-year, $44.725 million contract that includes $27.725 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $8.5 million for the 2018 season.
In 2017, Thomas has appeared in 14 games and recorded 88 tackles, two interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown, a forced fumble and seven pass defenses. ProFootballFocus rated him as the No. 9 overall safety out of 86 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding the Seahawks as the news is available.
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