Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett said he will report to the team’s training camp later this summer despite a current contract dispute.
In just over two months, all 32 NFL teams will open their training camps and get ready for the upcoming season. For the Seattle Seahawks, officials and coaches know that one of their best defensive players will be on the practice field despite some questions remaining about his contract.
Defensive lineman Michael Bennett told a Seattle area radio station that he will report to camp even though he has not shown up to any other offseason practices and workouts and doesn’t plan on attending any others before training camp, according to the Seattle Times:
"“Why wouldn’t I be at training camp?” Bennett said in response to a question asking if he’ll be there. “Of course I’ll be there. I’ll see you there for sure.”"
Bennett signed a four year, $28.5 million deal with the team before the 2014 season, one year after arriving in Seattle following four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and helping to lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. In the first two years of his current deal, Bennett has had 90 tackles to go along with 17 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Bennett wouldn’t go into details about what he wants and refused to throw Seahawks officials under the bus:
"“No matter what I say, it’s going to come back and haunt me. Any American wants to get paid more at their job. I don’t think there’s anybody who goes to work who says, ‘I’m happy with how much I’m getting paid, and I love it. Don’t give me any more money.’ That’s how I feel, too.”"
Seahawks officials traditionally have not been willing to negotiate with players who have more than one year left on their contract. The team had to deal with a long hold out from fellow defensive star, safety Kam Chancellor, that extended into the first weeks of the 2015 season.
For more NFL news, check out our NFL hub page.