The Seattle Seahawks have begun the exodus of some of their star defensive veterans as they have traded Michael Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Seahawks will send a seventh round pick and receive a fifth round pick, seventh round pick and wide receiver Marcus Johnson for Bennett.
The trade was first reported by ESPN’s Josina Anderson and Adam Schefter.
I'm told DE Michael Bennett is going to be traded to the Philadelphia #Eagles.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 7, 2018
Here it goes: Seahawks are trading DE Michael Bennett and a seventh-round pick to Eagles for a fifth-round pick and WR Marcus Johnson, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2018
It was reported that the Seahawks were looking to trade Bennett to remove any sort of distractions that could come with him. Last year he was involved in an incident with police in which he said a gun was pointed at him. Bennett has also been one of the more outspoken players throughout his career and also was one of the bigger names joining Colin Kaepernick’s stance during National Anthems.
The Seahawks could be looking for some cap relief with the move. Bennett was due $8 million this season according to OverTheCap.com. Bennett signed a three-year 29.5 million dollar contract in December 2016.
The 32-year-old is still a productive player as Bennett recorded 8.5 sacks last season.
The Seahawks could also be on their way to parting ways with another defensive leader as social media post suggest Richard Sherman could be on the move.
https://twitter.com/StayingInMyLane/status/971446770973593601?s=19
Sherman’s mother was among the posters Wednesday stating that Sherman wouldn’t be a Seahawk next season.
Uhhh what does Richard Sherman's mom know? ? pic.twitter.com/HpCNOHsVOI
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) March 7, 2018
The Seahawks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2011 with a 9-7 record last season.
