Seahawks’ Michael Bennett invokes Fifth Amendment on contract concerns
May 17, 2016, 9:12 AM | Updated: 10:17 am
Michael Bennett sees his job in training camp as being a leader and to "occasionally, whoop some offensive linemen’s ass." (AP)
(AP)
Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett knows his rights.
So when asked by “Brock and Salk” Tuesday about his contract, the 30-year-old invoked his right to not incriminate himself.
“As a good American, I’m going to go ahead and use, what’s that, the Fifth Amendment,” he said. “… Because 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.”
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Bennett has two years remaining on a contract he signed in March of 2014. The four-year deal was worth $28.5 million, with $16 million guaranteed. His 2016 base salary will be only $5 million – a $4 million base with a $1 million roster bonus.
The Seahawks dealt with a holdout last season when strong safety Kam Chancellor sat out the first two games of the year over a contract dispute. Those two sides seem to have made peace.
There’s been some concern from the media and fans that renewing Bennett’s contract two years before his deal is up would start a line at general manager John Schneider’s door with Seattle’s other defensive stars, such as Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman. Bennett didn’t see that as a real argument.
“No, I think the difference is between me and those guys is those guys are the highest paid at their position, so it’s a little different for me,” he said. “I’m the 22nd highest paid defensive end in the NFL. It’s a lot different between being the No. 1 person or No. 3 at your position than No. 20.”
Bennett said he plans to be at minicamp and that he wants to stay in Seattle long-term.
“Of course I want to be in Seattle as long as possible,” he said. “Everything about Seattle: I love the city, I love the team, I love my teammates, love what was going on, love how we do things. I just love it here.”
