In the last several days, the Seattle Seahawks have reportedly made Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett an available asset in the trade market. This has opened the door to the possibility of several teams jumping into the mix to pursue a deal to acquire Bennett's services over the offseason.
The 32-year-old is set to enter the first year of his three-year, $30.5 million extension that he signed back in December 2016. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, the Atlanta Falcons are one of the teams in the hunt to trade for Bennett that could possibly make them a serious suitor to land him in the near future.
Source tells me the Falcons are one of multiple teams discussing a Michael Bennett trade with the Seahawks. Nothing imminent but will be interesting to see how it all unfolds. https://t.co/IcvdmTZSlE
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 5, 2018
The interest in moving on from Bennett appears to be stemming from the chance to save nearly $2.2 million in salary cap space next season while receiving around $5.2 million in dead money charges. A trade or release is most likely coming before March 18, which will be when the veteran defensive end is slated to receive a $3 million roster bonus.
Bennett is still playing at a high level after registering 8.5 sacks with 40 total tackles while playing in all 16 games this past season. He has registered at least 5.0 sacks in each of the five campaigns that he has played in Seattle where he has been a key part of their identity on that end of the field.
The addition of Bennet would provide a boost to a Falcons pass rush that finished 13th in the league with 39 sacks and 21st allowing a 91.9 passer rating this past season. He could also provide veteran leadership on the defensive line to help former Pro Bowl defensive end Vic Beasley bounce back from a disappointing third year where he dropped from 15.5 sacks to just 5.0.
However, the Seahawks had notable defensive struggles in 2017 dealing with injuries that contributed to inconsistent play at times that became a factor in the team missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2011 season. Bennett's departure could be the first of several possible roster changes that have already included Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman being mentioned in trade rumors over the last several weeks.
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