Could Michael Bennett’s brother Martellus join him on Seahawks?
Feb 21, 2016, 3:58 PM
Martellus Bennett has previously tried to recruit his brother Michael to join him on the Bears. (AP)
Both Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett and his brother, Bears tight end Martellus Bennett, are known for being among the funnier personalities in the NFL, and they’ve admitted to not liking when they have to play against each other.
So what if the Bennett brothers joined up in Seattle?
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported that he’d be surprised if the Bears bring back 28-year-old Martellus, who would cost Chicago more than $6.3 million next season. Michael’s younger brother is coming off a down season, compiling 53 catches, 439 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games, but is only a year removed from a Pro Bowl campaign in 2014 where he caught 90 passes for 916 yards and six TDs.
Related: Clayton says Cameron Wake, Joique Bell could be Seahawks targets
The upside of making Seattle the new city of brotherly love is obvious, but could also be a boon if it helps appease Michael, who has voiced displeasure over his contract.
Martellus reportedly tried to recruit his brother to join the Bears when Michael was a free agent in 2014, but the elder Bennett ultimately chose to stay in Seattle with the help of urging from teammate Richard Sherman.
ESPN’s John Clayton told “Brock and Salk” on 710 ESPN Seattle that the biggest question is how Martellus would fit into Seattle’s overall plans at tight end and whether the team can afford to put more money into the position.
All signs point to a full recovery from last offseason’s prize acquisition, Jimmy Graham, who is owed $9 million in 2016, and backup Luke Willson has an escalator in his contract that pays him $1.74 million next season, up from roughly $630,000 in 2015.
“There may not be a lot of latitude, but, if he’s available for the right price, I can maybe see Martellus coming here,” Clayton said. “Let’s put it this way, you know Michael is going to be pushing for it.”
Another question is whether the Seahawks locker room could handle Martellus, who, like his brother, has never been one to hold his tongue.
“They could, because it’s a wacky locker room, so he’d fit in perfectly,” Clayton said. “It would be fun.”
