Dec 2, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) runs the ball in for a touchdown after recovering the fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) during the 1st quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Bennett, Seahawks DE and free agent-to-be, is unlikely to reach free agency. After winning the Super Bowl, both sides have made it clear that they want to re-up, according to Ed Valentine of SB Nation.
Bennett, who played for the Seahawks on a one-year$4.8 million deal in 2013, would be one of the top defensive linemen on the open market should he get to free agency. Due to having a roster of young, inexpensive talent, the Seahawks are primed to have a very similar team in 2014, though Bennett was seen as one of the few players who might be elsewhere next season. However, his comments after the Super Bowl win indicated that he’d like to return to Seattle.
“I want to be back here 100 percent. I love the team, I love my teammates,” Bennett said Wednesday, per The Daily Herald in Everett, Wash. “Pete (Carroll) does a great job of letting us play, so I want to be a part of that. I know we can go back and win a Super Bowl again with all these guys. It’s a business, but I definitely want to be back.”
On a roster full of stars, Bennett was one of the brightest during Seattle’s playoff run. He forced fumbles in both wins over New Orleans and San Francisco. Bennett or not, the Seahawks will be a trendy repeat pick for next season, but G.M. John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll would love to have their premier pass rusher back in the Great Northwest in 2014.