The New England Patriots made a surprising trade earlier this week to acquire Michael Bennett from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The trade involves the Patriots sending the Eagles a fifth-round pick for Bennett and a seventh-round pick. It's yet another move showing that the Patriots are better at everything than everyone else.
Just a few years ago, Bennett was playing on the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks came up against the Patriots in the Super Bowl with the Patriots coming out on top 28-24.
If Pete Carroll and company ran the ball at the one-yard line, Bennett would've been hoisting his second Lombardi trophy with the Seattle organization.
That's a conversation for another day as Bennett joins a New England franchise that always has its eyes set out on a Super Bowl.
Michael's brother, Martellus, knows just what it's like to wear a Patriots uniform. Martellus spent two seasons with the Patriots, winning one Super Bowl in the process.
So what does Michael Bennett bring to the Patriots in 2019? If Trey Flowers leaves during free agency, Bennett could be relied upon heavily as a pass rusher.
In 2018, Flowers had 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. That production will need to be replaced if he signs elsewhere.
The good news for the Patriots is if Flowers signs elsewhere they will receive a compensatory pick. They will also have their replacement in Bennett if he chooses to walk as well.
Even at 33 years old, Bennett can still be a huge difference maker. Just last season with the Eagles, Bennett managed to get nine sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
The nine sacks were the highest Bennett has had since 2015 with the Seahawks. Also, those nine sacks would've led the Patriots in sacks the last two seasons.
Bennett is known for wearing small shoulder pads, but he still delivers a big blow to opposing defenses. The Patriots were in dire need of finding a formidable pass rusher and found just that in Bennett.
On the other side of things, Bennett isn't going to be easily replaced in Philadelphia. The Eagles ranked eighth in the NFL with 44 sacks.
In addition to that, Bennett was second on the team in sacks, only behind Fletcher Cox. Finding pass rushers like Bennett isn't as people may think it is.
Bennett and company were key to the Eagles seemingly magical playoff run once again. The defense stepped up to get the Eagles into the playoffs but the team fell short in the divisional round against the New Orleans Saints.
A player like Bennett will be a huge addition to a Patriots team who ranked 30th in sacks in 2018. Bennett always plays with a high motor and can still dominate in the NFL.
The Patriots are getting a confident player who loves to back up his trash talk. Many people aren't too fond of Bennett but there's no doubt he is really talented.
No one can ever doubt the Patriots on any move they make until they prove otherwise. The Patriots seemingly will get a steal with Bennett if he can stay healthy in 2019.
Don't look now, but the Patriots defense can be much improved this upcoming season due to adding a player like Bennett.
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