Seahawks’ Bennett skips OTA’s; looking for new deal

(USATSI)

(USATSI)

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has decided to skip his team’s OTA’s in search of a restructured contract.

Bennett, who is 29, is currently under a four-year, $28.5 million dollar deal and is only two years in. 

The defensive end is entering his seventh season in the league and has been nothing short of solid for Seattle.

Last season, the former Aggie had 38 tackles and led the Seahawks with seven sacks. Bennett also played 85 percent of snaps last season. He was a big part of the Seahawks dominant defense, and was a big factor for the team’s path to the Super Bowl.

Bennett released this statement on Saturday:

“Somewhere near the top seven at my position, top eight at my position,” referring to his percentage of snaps played,  “Not a lot of guys play inside and out (tackle and end). Not a lot of guys do what I do. So I feel like I should be somewhere near there.” Bennett said. “I just want to be in the realm of the guys that play like me.”

When asked about the Seahawks, Bennett added,

“I think it’s a great organization,” Bennett said. “But at the end of the day, it’s all about the business part of it, and sometimes people see your value as something else and sometimes you see your value as something different, and it’s just part of the business.”

Bennett has only been in Seattle for two years, as he spent the first four in Tampa Bay. Even before he was in Tampa, he served a small stint with the Seahawks. He was waived from the team originally. 

He has seen success in Seattle, as he has reached the Super Bowl each year. His pass rush opened up the Patriots offensive line, and pressured quarterback Tom Brady.

Although it has been speculated, Bennett has not asked Seattle’s front office to trade him. He stated that his raise was strictly performance based.

Bennett has been a very reliable starter, and is very important to the Seattle defense.

Bennett is expected to return to the Seahawks as soon as the mandatory mini camps. If he does not attend, he will be fined roughly $70,000.