Seattle Seahawks Breaking News: Michael Bennett Signs Four-Year Deal
By Todd Pheifer
Dec 2, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) runs the ball in for a touchdown after recovering the fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) during the 1st quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Well, that didn’t take very long.
Michael Bennett will be returning to the Seattle Seahawks after signing a four-year deal that could pay him $28.5 million over the length of the contract. The key number is the guaranteed money, which is a total of $16 million.
After speculation that Bennett might jump to the Chicago Bears, he ultimately decided to stay put and stick with a team that is primed to make another Super Bowl run in 2014. Bennett was a key part of the NFL’s best defense last season.
This is why some rumors turn out to be just a lot of talk.
According to reports, there were actually two other teams (the Bears and a mystery franchise) that were willing to spend more money on Bennett. How much was being offered may never be known. What makes this interesting is that Bennett had specifically stated that the ‘Hawks would not be getting a hometown discount.
At face value this seems like a reasonably affordable contract for the Seahawks.
Ultimately, Bennett may not play the entire contract. He will make $7.5 million in his final year, which means that he could eventually be a cap casualty depending on the team’s financial situation at that point.
For now, everyone is happy because Bennett was arguably the highest free agent priority. Now the Seahawks will most likely turn their attention to signing Golden Tate.
Welcome back to the Legion of Boom, Mr. Bennett. It is nice that you could stick around for a few more years. Let’s go win another Lombardi Trophy.