Seattle Seahawks star defensive end Michael Bennett wants to clear things up.
He doesn't want to be traded, as a recent report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram suggested. He just wants to get paid more.
"I think everyone who has a job, they want a raise for whatever they're doing," Bennett said Thursday on KING-TV, via ESPN. "I'm just like any other American. I think everybody wants to be paid a little bit more. So I don't think I fall short of that."
He added: "People assume when you ask for a little more money, they assume that you want to be traded or something like that. But that's not what I'm trying to go for."
The 29-year-old is one of the best defensive players at his position but is entering just the second year of a modest four-year, $32 million contract with $16 million guaranteed.
Bennett skipped out on some workouts toward the end of April, perhaps encapsulating his unhappiness.
Terry Blount of ESPN.com said the problem could be solved if Seattle gives Bennett more of his money up front. The team did the same thing with Marshawn Lynch a year ago, setting a precedent for certain players.
It would be insane for Seattle to restructure at this point. The contract benefits them in so many ways. But perhaps this is a way to keep everyone happy.
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