It’s easy to see why so many have connected Michael Bennett to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Bennett is a former team member who recorded 6.5 sacks last season – which would have led the team.
Bennett didn’t do anything to dissuade those rumors after he went on NBC Sports Northwest’s Talkin’ Seahawks podcast with his wife, Pele, and made it quite clear he’d love to play in the Emerald City again.
“I would love to end my career in Seattle,” Bennett said. “It’s not up to you, though. It’s up to the team.”
Bennett was a stalwart on Seattle’s Legion of Boom defenses, recording 39 sacks in five years with the team, including back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.
He has remained a dominant defensive force since leaving Seattle, and despite his advanced age there’s little doubt he would have a positive impact on the Seahawks frontline in 2020.
Bennett would welcome a mentorship role as well, which would be exceptionally valuable for young players like L.J. Collier and Rasheem Green.
“I think it could be good,” Bennett continued. “It’s good to have a good veteran defender that can help young guys. A lot of guys have skill in the NFL, but a lot of them don’t know how to study tape. Having a guy who knows how to study and could bring in some veteran leadership to go along with some great young talent, I would always think that’s a good idea.”
Bennett would certainly be a low-cost alternative to bringing back either Jadeveon Clowney or Jarran Reed – or perhaps more likely a good piece to compliment one or both of them as he won’t cost nearly as much against the cap.
Free agency opens on March 18, and Bennett will be a name for fans to keep an eye on.
