Michael Bennett hasn't been shy about his contract requests -- he wants to be paid like a top-7 defensive lineman. Seahawks general manager John Schneider has often said that he won't renegotiate a contract with multiple years remaining, which leaves Bennett and the team at an impasse.
With the issue unresolved in Bennett's mind, he'll skip OTAs again this week after skipping them last week.
"I just want to be in the realm of the guys that play like me," Bennett told The Seattle Times on Friday. "There are only so many guys that do what I do, and I would love to be like somewhere in there where they are at."
Both sides in the contract debate have a point. According to OvertheCap.com and ESPN, Bennett's contract, which includes $16 million in guaranteed money, is ranked just No. 14 among defensive ends who play in a 4-3 defense. Bennett is widely regarded as one of the best defensive linemen in the game, largely because he has the ability to slide inside at defensive tackle and outside at defensive end, both of which he's a threat at.
The Seahawks' perspective also makes sense. Bennett just signed his contract before last season. He has three more seasons left on that four-year deal. Why should the Seahawks be forced to renegotiate a new deal when Bennett committed to his current deal just last March?
Granting Bennett a new contract would not only cost the Seahawks money, but it could also lead to even more contract disputes after other players on the team see upper management break their stance on contracts.
In other words, a new contract for Bennett seems unlikely. So, Bennett is responding by skipping out on OTAs, which are voluntary. In a couple weeks though, mandatory training camp will begin. If Bennett skips that, consider this an ongoing issue for the Seahawks.
"I will miss whatever I can miss," Bennett said. "Depends how much the fine is. They are going to do their thing and I have to do what I have to do."
