There had been plenty of speculation in Chicago that Michael Bennett would wind up a member of the Bears when free agency starts. Like so much free agency speculation, it amounted to a lot of hot air.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Seahawks re-signed Bennett to a four-year contract worth $28.5 million, with $16 million guaranteed, according to a source who had spoken with the player. The team later made the move official.
We're not sure if that amounts to the Costco-like discount Bennett said he wouldn't take, but he did leave money on the table. The Bears and another mystery team offered more, according to NFL Media's Albert Breer. Bennett will earn $21 million over the first three years of his contract, which is the perfect price for a very good starter in his prime that isn't quite dominant.
Still, it's a bit surprising that Bennett got less guaranteed money than Minnesota Vikingsdefensive linemanEverson Griffen, who signed over the weekend. (Griffen got $20 million guaranteed on a five-year, $42 million contract that had a lot of agents smiling.)
With Bennett staying in Seattle, the meanwhile, have turned their attention elsewhere. Lamarr Houston and Michael Johnson are logical fits.
It's also worth wondering what collateral damage re-signing Bennett will bring to Seattle. Chris Clemonsmight be on the chopping block now.
Either way, Bennett did well by betting on himself last season with a one-year, $5 million contract in Seattle. He proved to be the team's best pass rusher, and Monday he was rewarded for it.
The Seahawks can't keep their entire Super Bowl team together -- just look at Red Bryant -- but Bennett was a core piece that Seattle did not want to let go.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" picks the biggest free agent bargains and plays the revolutionary game: "Get my lunch."
