Michael Bennett says Seahawks ‘obviously’ want him to spend career in Seattle

Nov 3, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) celebrates a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Bennett is in search of a deal that would keep him with the Seahawks for at least next season, but he says the Seahawks want him for much longer.

In an article written by Bob Condotta at The Seattle Times, Bennett said he knew the Seahawks would not use a franchise tag on him last week so he was ready to discuss a contract.

“Obviously they want me to be a Seahawk for the rest of my career,” he said. “But everything plays into the numbers. Have to make sure everything is right.”

Last month, Bennett said he would not take any sort of discount just to remain a Seahawk.

“There is no such thing as discount. This is not Costco, this is not Walmart — this is real life,” Bennett said in February. “There is no discount really because you go out there and you don’t give a discount on effort.”

The Chicago Bears have reportedly expressed interest in signing Bennett if he can’t reach an agreement with Seattle. Bennett’s brother Martellus is Chicago’s tight end and has been trying to convince him to come to the Windy City.

But Bennett said he won’t go there unless the Bears “open up their wallet.”

The Seahawks have already cut Sidney Rice and Red Bryant in an effort to clear cap space to sign Bennett to a long-term deal.

But Bennett doesn’t seem as adamant in staying in Seattle as the Seahawks are.

“I’m not really worried about the outcome,” he said. “I know something great is going to happen whether it’s in Seattle or somewhere else.”

Bennett had 31 tackles and 8.5 sacks for the Seahawks No. 1 defense in 2013.