Defensive end Michael Bennett escaped the franchise tag, as expected, but that doesn't mean he won't be back with the Seattle Seahawks.
Appearing on The SiriusXM Blitz with Bruce Murray and Rich Gannon, Bennett said Monday that preliminary contract discussions with coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider "have been positive."
"Pete expressed that he wanted me to be here and so did John," Bennett said, "and they're going to do the best they can do to try to work out a deal. And I look forward to that, get a chance to come back."
Bennett ranks No. 9 on Around The League's list of the top 101 free agents.
After settling for a one-year, $4.8 million contract amid concerns over a reported rotator cuff tear last March, Bennett will be hotly pursued this time around.
Now that Greg Hardy, Brian Orakpo and Jason Worilds are off the market, Bennett and Michael Johnson figure to be the most coveted pass rushers available.
In fact, tight end Martellus Bennett has already initiated a public campaign to recruit his brother to the Chicago Bears.
As tempting as it might be to rejoin Martellus, Bennett made it clear that he's "looking forward to being a Seahawk -- and hopefully that happens."
The latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" weighs in on Monday's franchise-tag surprises and unpacks all the 49ers drama out west.
