Michael Bennett is one of the most sought after defensive free agents that will hit the market on Tuesday. The defensive end has already expressed he is not interested in taking a pay cut to remain with the Seattle Seahawks meaning every team is interested in signing him. If Bennett departs, the defending Super Bowl champs will have a big hole to fill before the 2014 season.
The Chicago Bears appear to be the frontrunners to sign Bennett. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that Bennett has been recruited by his brother, Bears tight end Martellus Bennett. Michael is finishing off his one-year, $5 million contract with the Seahawks and while the team wants to re-sign the defensive end, Chicago's pursuit might be too hard to overcome.
"It's a great argument," Bennett said, via the Chicago Tribune. "He got great points, but, man, I got to leave it suspenseful for the next couple of hours and go home and make the right decision. It's really hard, though. So many things play a key into the decision of where your future, where you're going to play at."
Chicago certainly has a need for Bennett. The team is predicted to release Julius Peppers. He is an $18.1 million cap hit off his $13.9 million salary. The Bears are not interested in having $40 million in cap space wrapped into two players when Jay Cutler's contract is figured in. Bennett could be a strong fit.
So if Bennett departs for the Windy City, where do the Seahawks look for help? Jared Allen could be the team's top option. The veteran has said he will not be returning to the Minnesota Vikings and naturally he wants to sign with a winner. Allen is certainly still productive after putting up 11.5 sacks last season. However, being 31 an having multiple surgeries on his resume means the most he will get offered is a one-year deal.
Justin Tuck could also be a strong option for the Seahawks if Bennett is gone. Tuck did not have a great 2013 after injuries hurt his production, but a change in scenery while playing for a contending team could boost his motivation. According to NJ.com, the New York Giants made an offer to Tuck before the legal tampering period, but it is unknown whether Tuck was open to the idea of returning.
The veteran will also be 31 in 2014 like Allen, so neither will be a long-term option for the Seahawks. However, they will come cheaper than other free agents and can still provide a decent amount of production on the field.