The Green Bay Packers made some shocking news on Thursday, reportedly releasing veteran tight end Martellus Bennett. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the release comes with a “failure to disclose” designation.
The #Packers have released TE Martellus Bennett, according to the transaction wire, with a failure to disclose designation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2017
Earlier in the day, Bennett was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury. It’s the same injury that forced him to miss Week 9’s loss to the Detroit Lions.
The “failure to disclose” designation claims that Bennett didn’t tell the Packers about his pre-existing shoulder injury when the team signed him to a three-year, $21 million contract with $6.3 million guaranteed during the spring.
By making said designation, the Packers will look to recoup some of the money they have already paid out to the former Pro Bowl tight end. Yes, that includes the $6.3 million guaranteed. They could also claim that the failure to disclose voids the contract altogether.
Bennett recorded 24 catches for 233 yards in seven games with the team this season.