Michael Bennett’s five-year tenure in Seattle has ended after the team has traded him to the Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Seahawks will also be sending a seventh-round pick, and will be getting a fifth-round pick and wideout Marcus Johnson in return.
Michael Bennett traded from Seahawks to Eagles. Why both teams made this move
Is Seattle overhauling its defense this offseason?
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
It likely wasn’t a surprise for Bennett, who knew his time in Seattle was coming to an end. He told The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell on New Year’s Eve, “I probably won’t be back next year. Just seems like it’s a young man’s game. I can see them going younger, with younger players. That’s part of the game.”
But Bennett still managed 8.5 sacks last season, which made the 32-year-old defensive end a must-get for the Eagles.
Why did the Seahawks trade Bennett?
Bennett was slated to earn $8.4 million in 2018, with a $3 million roster bonus on March 18. He had a respectable 2017 season — making his third straight Pro Bowl — with 8.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits in 16 games, all while dealing with injuries. But as he said himself, the Seahawks want to get younger — and younger talent comes cheaper. By trading Bennett instead of cutting him outright, the Seahawks still save money, but they get some value in return for him.
The Seahawks are also rebooting somewhat. After the team missed the playoffs for the first time in six years, Pete Carroll let go of four coaches this offseason, most notably defensive coordinator Kris Richard and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. They currently have 17 players now hitting free agency, not a lot of cap space, and several other veterans who could free up more room if they were released, including Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril, and Kam Chancellor.
They had a great run with the likes of Bennett and other fearsome players on one of the league’s most formidable defenses. In the last five years, the Seahawks made the playoffs four times and appeared in the Super Bowl twice, including a win in 2013 season. The defense ranked in the top 11 every season Bennett has played in Seattle.
It appears the Seahawks are ready to start a new chapter. Bennett thanked the Seahawks and fans for their support.
Why did the Eagles trade for Bennett?
The Eagles had a good defense last season, but they were going to be in the market for a new pass rusher. It appears instead of looking towards the draft, they made the move for Bennett.
Bennett had a rather quiet start to his career as an undrafted free agent in 2009. But in the 2012 season, he broke out in Tampa, where he had nine sacks, 34 tackles, and three forced fumbles.
He signed with the Seahawks the following season and has been a staple on the defensive line ever since. His sack numbers have been pretty consistent aside from the 2016 season where he played just 11 games.
Despite nagging injuries, Bennett was still a disruptive force for the Seahawks last year. He had 24 quarterback hits in addition to his 8.5 sacks and adds a strong pass-rushing presence to the Eagles. With the addition of him, speculation is that Vinny Curry will likely be released or traded to make room.
Bennett is ready to contribute, too.
“I think I’m in my prime. I want to play as long as I can,” he said via NFL.com. “There are so many great players on this team and it’s a great organization.”
Where will the Seahawks turn next?
The Seahawks could look to the draft, where they have the No. 18 pick, to find a replacement for Bennett.
NC State’s Bradley Chubb is expected to be selected in the top 10, leaving him out of the equation. But there are other standout defensive ends in this draft class who should be around when the Seahawks are on the clock, such as LSU’s Arden Key, UTSA’s Marcus Davenport, Ohio State’s Sam Hubbard, or Wake’s Duke Ejiofor.
Of course, they could also sign a free agent at the position to fill their needs. But they unquestionably want to get younger. In the trade, they picked up a young receiver in Johnson, which was needed after they’ll be losing Paul Richardson in free agency.
The Bennett trade also happens on the same day where Richard Sherman’s future is up in the air with the team. It’s been a wild Wednesday in the Pacific Northwest.
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