INDIANAPOLIS -- In Around The League's franchise tag primer, Gregg Rosenthal listed Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett as a potential candidate to receive the designation before the March 3 deadline.
After general manager John Schneider's Thursday press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, we now know that won't be happening.
Asked by Around The League if the franchise tag is a possibility for Bennett, Schneider replied, "I don't anticipate that. No."
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier this month that the Seahawks are confident in their ability to re-sign the premier pass rusher of their Super Bowl run.
Bennett isn't the only key free agent Schneider hopes to bring back. Wide receiver Golden Tate is a "big priority," according to Schneider.
"Golden knows where we stand," Schneider added. "He knows how much we love him."
The Seahawks have some tough decisions to make in the next month. If Bennett and Tate are re-signed, the salaries of high-priced veterans such as Sidney Rice, Zach Miller and Chris Clemons might have to be jettisoned.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys speculate on big names who could be cut, then talk offseason forecasts for the Packers and Raiders.
