Michael Bennett, Chicago Bears have mutual interest
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) during the second half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There have always been rumors that the Chicago Bears could sign Michael Bennett this offseason to give themselves a top-notch playmaker on defense, and I actually Bennett as the top free agent available. He is undoubtedly one of the game’s best defensive players, and he is an elite pass rusher and run defender who has starred for the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the Seahawks want to do what it takes to sign Bennett to a lucrative, long-term deal, he will hit the open market on the 11th and will receive a load of lucrative offers. Many teams need a guy like Bennett, and the Bears could certainly use him. The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs tweeted that both sides of mutual interest, and he was told by sources that the Bears are “in play” for the Seahawks star DE.
In order to sign Bennett to the monster deal he would need to be given in order to join, the Bears would have to release veteran Julius Peppers, who isn’t nearly as good as Bennett anyway. Last offseason, Bennett could only sign a one-year deal worth $5 million due to a rotator cuff injury, and he was an absolute bargain. Nobody is going to get that lucky this offseason, and Bennett is intent on breaking the bank after receiving such a low contract last year. No longer underrated after starring on the Seahawks Super Bowl-winning defense, the Bears and other teams will have to win a massive bidding war for his services.
It’s telling that the Seahawks are willing to pay him what it takes, and they even went as far to release Red Bryant in order to clear up cap space. It’s going to be interesting to see where he lands, but a reunion between Michael and Martellus Bennett is a legitimate possibility.