Michael Bennett trade rumor denied by Seahawks

Michael, say it ain’t so…

Twitter blew up today when it was “reported” that Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett was asking the team to be traded to the Atlanta Falcons, as well as renegotiate the deal he signed last offseason with the Seahawks after their Super Bowl victory.

Per multiple sources, Michael Bennett is seeking a trade to Atlanta and a new contract.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 17, 2015

Sure enough, Seattle’s sports writers scrambled to find out the legitimacy of the report.

Seattle Times Seahawks blogger Bob Condotta:

Seahawks also say that any news of Michael Bennett wanting a trade is news to them and that he has not told that to them. ...
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) March 17, 2015

Seattle had been a rumored destination for former Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, who was reportedly interested in visiting Seattle to meet with the Seahawks. If the Seahawks were to be courting Hardy then it would lend some credibility to the rumor.

Not only have the Seahawks denied any knowledge of the trade request made by Michael Bennett, but they are also saying that Hardy does not have a visit scheduled with the team.

Also via Condotta:

Updating that the Seahawks say there is no visit set for Greg Hardy, just doing their due diligence: http://t.co/XTZywuRZrb
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) March 17, 2015

And Danny from ESPN710:

Michael Bennett has NOT asked the #Seahawks for a trade.
— Seattle Sports 710 (@DDMon710) March 17, 2015

Bennett’s four-year, $28.5 million deal is relatively low when you compare that to what other similar players have been getting. It would be safe to assume that Bennett would like to restructure his deal to fall more in-line with market value. However, none of that is backed up by any concrete evidence and is pure speculation at this point.

Former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn just took over the head coaching job with the Falcons so that makes the rumor seem slightly more possible, though it’s not clear why Bennett would ask for a trade and contract restructuring when he could very well get that with the Seahawks and remain on a Super Bowl contender.

Until we hear something from Michael Bennett, his agent, or the organization, it’s definitely safe to assume that this was just a case of very bad reporting from a Cowboys beat writer who got a little excited.

Go Hawks!

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