Seahawks

Seahawks To Meet With The Agent For DE Michael Bennett This Week

July 25, 2016

Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that the agent for Seahawks DE Michael Bennett is planning to meet with the team this week regarding a new contract.

According to Anderson, Bennett is looking for in the neighborhood of at least a two- or three-year extension with new money that would pay him as a top six or seven defensive lineman.

This is the first indication that the Seahawks may be willing to sign Bennett to an extension that would be more in line with his production.

Last week, Bennett admitted that he’s still unhappy about his current contract.

“I just want to be fairly compensated with the top guys in the league,” Bennett said. “I’m definitely one of the top five defensive ends.” Bennett went on in more dramatic language. “It is never-ending,” Bennett said, via The Huffington Post. “Especially when people are getting new contracts every day. You sit there and you’re like, ‘Damn, really?’ I’m just to the point where it’s kind of like, if you don’t think I’m valuable, then just get rid of me.”

Bennett is currently the 27th highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL and in the third year of his four-year, $32 million contract.

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll did say previously that they play to address Bennett’s contract at some point.

“We’re gonna make an effort,” Carroll said. “An effort so he remains a Seahawk.”

Joel Corry suggested a small move the Seahawks could consider to appease Bennett — at least for the time being — which would involve converting his $1 million active roster bonus into his 2016 base salary.

Bennett, 30, signed four-year, $32 million contract that included $16 million guaranteed with the Seahawks a few years ago. He still has another two years remaining on his contract to go along with base salaries of $4 million (2016), and $6 million (2017).

In 2015, Bennett appeared in all 16 games and recorded 52 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 5 edge defender out 110 qualifying players.

We’ll have more a new deal for Bennett as the news is available.