Reports: Michael Bennett will test free agency, leaving Seahawks offer ‘on the table’
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) runs with the ball after recovering a fumbled ball by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) (not pictured) during the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Bennett has reportedly left a Seahawks offer “on the table” and will test free agency this month to see how much he is worth, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Seattle DE Michael Bennett will be testing the free agent market and will not be re-signing with the Seahawks before March 11th, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2014
The Seahawks have been trying to negotiate with Bennett since the season ended but it looks like he is more interested in seeing what else is out there.
Bennett reportedly received an offer from Seattle but he has left it behind, for now at least.
Seattle has made an offer to Michael Bennett, who has left it on the table to seek others. Will see if he returns. Oak, Chicago, others wait
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2014
Bennett had a one-year, $5 million deal with Seattle in 2013, but it sounds like he wants a significant amount more next season.
Seattle was prepared to offer him between $8-9 million next season and they cut Sidney Rice and Red Bryant to do so, but it might not be enough for Bennett.
The Chicago Bears are reportedly very interested in Bennett and he has a mutual interest since his brother, Martellus, is on the team as a tight end.
But Bennett only seems interested in a team that will “open up their wallet.”
If Bennett leaves Seattle, Chris Clemons will almost certainly stay with the team and he will be leaned on heavily to take over the pass rush.