Defensive End/EDGE: Michael Bennett, New England Patriots
Contract: Two years, $16.75 million with $4 million guaranteed
Michael Bennett may be 33 years old, but he’s continued to be an effective pass rusher over the past few seasons. Last year, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and in 16 games (with 10 starts) Bennett registered nine sacks. He was then sent to the New England Patriots this offseason as they looked to fill the spot vacated by Trey Flowers.
Flowers ended up getting a contract worth $90 million over five seasons with the Lions. As for the Pats, they’re likely going to replace his production with Bennett who is making a fraction of that salary. Sure, he won’t be around as long, but they’ll just replace him with another player who will produce despite not having a massive contract.
Defensive End/EDGE: Robert Quinn, Dallas Cowboys
Contract: One year, $8 million with $6 million guaranteed
One of the biggest moves the Dallas Cowboys made this offseason was to acquire Robert Quinn from the Miami Dolphins. Once one of the more feared pass rushers in the game, Quinn comes in as the secondary option to DeMarcus Lawrence — giving Big D a very potent edge rush.
Quinn had 6.5 sacks last season but Miami was looking to shed his salary. They did so by shipping him to Dallas, but then he agreed to a restructured deal which gives them a former All-Pro defensive end who is scheduled to make less than $10 million. Not a bad deal for them.