Michael Bennett says he’ll be at training camp.
The Seattle Seahawks’ star defensive end was interviewed on 710 ESPN Radio on Tuesday, and in parting he was asked if he’ll be at training camp this year. His response:
“Why wouldn’t I be at training camp? … I’ll see you there for sure.”
Bennett has made no secret about his dissatisfaction with his contract. The 30-year-old, who was named to the Pro Bowl last season after leading the Seahawks with 10 sacks, signed a four-year, $28.5 million contract prior to the 2014 season. But in the upcoming season his base salary is just $4 million, which according to Spotrac.com is tied for 20th among defensive ends in the NFL.
Bennett wants his contract renegotiated, and he’s even changed agents this offseason. However, the Seahawks have a policy of not renegotiating contracts until there’s just one year remaining, and Bennett has two years left on his deal. Seattle showed its resolve in this matter last season when another defensive star, strong safety Kam Chancellor, held out all of training camp, preseason and the first two games of the regular season. Chancellor ended up returning without receiving any concessions from the team.
Bennett said last season he considered holding out right up until the start of training camp. Tuesday’s question about being at this year’s training camp was a throw-away question at the tail end of the interview, and Bennett’s response wasn’t exactly emphatic. But he’s at least now on record saying he’ll be there.
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