The Philadelphia Eagles and Michael Bennett appear headed for a divorce after the defensive end made statements on the NFL Network on Friday morning, indicating he believes he can get more money on the open market.
Bennett, likely not feeling appreciated after news broke that the Eagles were shopping him at the NFL Combine, made it clear to Good Morning Football, that he won’t take a pay cut, and as one of the best edge rushers’s in football, would prefer a raise.
“But at the same time, I still know that I’m one of the best players in the NFL. You look at statistically last year, quarterback hits, TFLs, and with how I approach the game I love football and whatever team I’m on, I’m going to take that same attitude and go out there and be a nasty player and try to dominate on the defensive line and be the best teammate and the best player that I can possibly be.”
“But I’m not willing to take a pay cut. I actually want a pay raise at this point, and so whatever happens just to know that whatever team I go to I want to get paid more than I get paid right now.”
Now according to Jeff McLane of Philly.com, Bennett is expected to be traded or released as the two parties seemed headed for a split.
The Eagles have discussed the possibility of trading Bennett with other teams, according to multiple NFL sources. The team’s leverage in negotiations is that it could bring him back for 2019, but two sources close to the situation said Bennett will eventually be released, barring something unforeseen, in lieu of a deal.
With the former first-round draft pick, Derek Barnett returning from injury and Brandon Graham just signing a three-year, $40 million contract with the Eagles, Bennett is again not likely to start, a point of displeasure for the pass rusher all season.
Bennett amassed nine sacks and 34 tackles, in the first year with the Eagles after being traded by the Seattle Seahawks, while grading out as one of the leagues best edge rushers according to Pro Football Focus.
