Sheil Kapadia, ESPN Writer 8y

Seahawks to meet with Michael Bennett's agent about a new deal

The Seattle Seahawks will meet with Michael Bennett's agent, Doug Hendrickson, early this week to discuss his desire for a new deal, a source tells ESPN's Josina Anderson.

Per Anderson, Bennett is looking for a two- to three-year extension with new money in the range of the top six or seven defensive linemen in the NFL.

Bennett has two years remaining on his current deal. According to OverTheCap.com, he's slated to make base salaries of $4 million and $6 million, none of which is guaranteed. Thirty-seven defensive linemen had more guaranteed money than Bennett in their current contracts at the time of signing.

The seven highest paid defensive linemen in the league are all making more than $14.2 million per season.

Bennett recently indicated to the Huffington Post that his frustrations might be boiling over.

"It is never-ending," Bennett said. "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 was unhappy with his contract last summer but showed up for training camp and had an outstanding year, posting 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He is in a difficult spot, considering the next time he's scheduled to hit the open market as a free agent will be when he is 32 years old.

As always in these situations, the key will be whether the two sides can find some kind of middle ground. Joel Corry of CBSSports.com recently suggested that the team could convert Bennett's $1 million 46-man active roster bonus into base salary. But would such a move be enough to appease him?

The Seahawks have the leverage here. Bennett is under contract, and if he holds out, he misses game checks. At the same time, this is a team gearing up for a Super Bowl run, and Bennett is a key cog on defense. It's in the organization's best interest to keep him happy going into the season.

Hendrickson's meeting with the Seahawks this week will determine whether this situation nears a resolution or if the team should expect to have more contract drama this summer.

^ Back to Top ^