It was reported recently that Seattle Seahawks’ defensive end Michael Bennett was seeking a trade. Bennett attempted to set the record straight himself by explaining that looking for a raise does not equate to wanting to be traded (via King 5 TV).
I think everyone who has a job, they want a raise for whatever they’re doing. I’m just like any other American. I think everybody wants to be paid a little bit more. So I don’t think I fall short of that.
Bennett shot down reports that he was looking for a trade:
People assume when you ask for a little more money, they assume that you want to be traded or something like that. But that’s not what I’m trying to go for.
Bennett is currently under a four-year contract worth $28.5 million that includes $16 million in guaranteed money. The problem here is that Bennett only signed this deal in March of 2014, so he’s likely stuck with this contract for the foreseeable future.
According to Seahawks’ general manager John Schneider, the team does not renegotiate current contracts. This means that Bennett may request more up front money, something the team did do for fellow teammate Marshawn Lynch, who actually renegotiated his deal last year. Funny how that works.
If Bennett does not receive more up front money, it will be interesting to see his stance on the topic moving forward.
Bennett, 29, recorded seven sacks in 16 games (all starts) last season. He’s put up 15.5 sacks in the two years since signing with Seattle from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Photo: USA Today Sports