Over the last few weeks, it became clear that the Seattle Seahawks were going to move on from star defensive end Michael Bennett. The Philadelphia Eagles eventually put together the best deal to land the three-time Pro Bowler, but they weren't the only team in the running.
According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons all engaged in trade talks with Seattle for Bennett.
There were a bunch of teams in the running for Michael Bennett. New England, Cleveland, Tampa, and Falcons to just name a few.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 7, 2018
The Eagles apparently had the best offer, sending wide receiver Marcus Johnson and a fifth-round pick to Seattle for Bennett and a seventh-rounder. The deal adds another dangerous piece to what's already one of the most formidable pass rushes in the NFL, and it gives the Seahawks cap flexibility as well as an insurance policy should speedy receiver Paul Richardson leave in free agency.
Bennett would've been an interesting fit in New England, providing pressure off the edge for the team that really struggled to do so until they brought in veteran James Harrison. Cleveland can use all the help they can get, a reunion with the Bucs would've provided some relief on the outside for star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, and the Falcons would've benefitted greatly with another consistent pass rusher on a defense that really blossomed down the stretch in 2017.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that the Falcons made a last-ditch effort to snag Bennett on Tuesday when the Eagles and Seahawks had already agreed on a trade in principle, but their offer of a sixth-round pick was easily topped by Philadelphia.
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