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NFL trade rumors: Seahawks trying to move Michael Bennett

By Matt Verderame

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Bennett No. 72 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 10, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Bennett No. 72 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 10, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Seattle Seahawks are trying to reshape their roster, and one move general manager John Schneider is considering involves moving Michael Bennett.

Michael Bennett has been one of the most productive NFL defensive ends in the league for the past three seasons, reaching the Pro Bowl in each campaign. However, Seattle is facing a cap crunch and could be looking to move on from the veteran, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN.

Bennett, 32, had 8.5 sacks last season and amassed 10 in 2015. Over his nine-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seahawks, Bennett has 54 sacks. Despite his advancing age, he would be a nice player to acquire for a contender with a need on the edge, especially considering the weak free-agent class at that position.

The Seahawks are at a crossroads after missing the playoffs for the first time in six years, albeit with an 8-8 record. Seattle has Paul Richardson, Sheldon Richardson and Jimmy Graham all slated to hit free agency, and only $13 million projected in cap space. Additionally, head coach Pete Carroll has stated his belief that Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril won’t play football again after being injured in 2017.

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All that said, trading Bennett doesn’t do much for cap relief. Seattle would save $2.2 million by releasing or trading Bennett and incur $5.175 million in dead money. A trade partner would also have to take on two more years of his contract, which runs through 2020. Bennett is due $8.7 million in 2019 before getting $10.2 million in the final year. If released by said team, the dead cap is $3.45 million next year but only $1.725 million in ’20.