Seahawks trade Michael Bennett to Eagles
Mar 7, 2018, 11:28 AM | Updated: Mar 12, 2018, 10:02 pm
Michael Bennett, a three-time Pro Bowler, is reportedly on his way to Philadelphia. (AP)
(AP)
After five seasons in Seattle that including back-to-back trips to the Super Bowl and three Pro Bowl nominations, Michael Bennett’s Seahawks tenure is over.
The Seahawks have agreed to trade Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The trade was first reported by ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
ESPN’s Schefter: Seahawks are remaking their roster
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Bennett and a seventh-round pick will head to Philadelphia, with the Seahawks getting a fifth-round pick and wide receiver Marcus Johnson in return.
Bennett shared his own reaction on his Twitter account. He later issued another tweet with a thank you to Seattle.
Thank you Seattle. 💚💙 https://t.co/fRxKPInaAI pic.twitter.com/gi4Ky7x42a
— Michael Bennett (@mosesbread72) March 7, 2018
Bennett, who has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons, helped solidify the Seahawks’ defensive line when he joined the team in 2013, the season they won the Super Bowl over the Denver Broncos. He continued to be an integral part of a defense that was the Seahawks’ trademark through a second straight Super Bowl appearance and two more postseason berths in 2015 and 2016.
Bennett started all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2017, making 8.5 sacks and 25 tackles.
By trading Bennett, the Seahawks would be able to save $2.2 million in 2018 salary cap space and $21 million over the final three seasons of his current contract.
Bennett may not be the only key member of Seattle’s defense on his way out of town. Rumors began swirling Wednesday morning that All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has said goodbye to teammates.
In acquiring Johnson, the Seahawks would get insurance in the case they lose wide receiver Paul Richardson in free agency. The speedy Johnson, 23, was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2016 NFL Draft by Philadelphia and appeared in 10 games last season with the Eagles. He caught five passes for 45 yards.
According to ESPN, the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also had conversations with the Seahawks about a trade for Bennett before Seattle decided on the deal with the Eagles.
