The Seattle Seahawks continue to deal with contract issues that are getting in the way of OTAs and could factor into attendance for training camp. Just one year removed from giving several defensive stars new deals, more players are looking for increased compensation following the success of the past two seasons. While Russell Wilson continues to take priority, holdouts are becoming a headline with players like Michael Bennett.
Wilson might not be holding out for a new contract, but Michael Bennett is. The defensive lineman has not been present at OTAs and will not be present unless the Seahawks show interest in giving him a new deal. Bennett just signed a four-year contract worth $28.5 million with $16 million guaranteed back in March, but he now wants to be paid as one of the top players in his position.
"Somewhere near the top seven at my position, top eight at my position," Bennett said, via the Seattle Times. "Not a lot of guys play inside and out [defensive end and defensive tackle]. Not a lot of guys do what I do. So I feel like I should be somewhere near there. I just want to be in the realm of the guys that play like me. There are only so many guys that do what I do, and I would love to be like somewhere in there where they are at."
According to OvertheCap.com via ESPN, Bennett's new contract would need to be increased to about $10 million per year if he were to be paid as one of the top eight players in his position. The chance that happens is slim if the Seahawks are giving Wilson a new contract this year. Contract issues continue to swirl around Bennett. Earlier in the offseason, the rumor surfaced that Benentt was seeking a trade to the Atlanta Falcons to reunite with Dan Quinn along with a contract extension. He denies the idea.
"I see myself being with the Seahawks," Bennett said. "I think we have something special here with the things that we do in the community, the players that we have and the team and the coaches. I think it's a great organization. But at the end of the day, it's all about the business part of it."
Outside of Bennett and Wilson, Bruce Irvin and Bobby Wagner also want more money. Irvin had his fifth-year option denied and is not thrilled about it. Pete Carroll told the media via ESPN.com that the Seahawks fully intend to keep Irvin after he made headlines requesting a move to Atlanta as well. Wagner made it clear he would love to sign a contract extension soon as he heads into the final year of his deal. According to the linebacker via the Seattle Times he has "heard nothing so until I get something to sign then I haven't heard nothing." Wagner is clearly not happy, but is not holding out of practice at least for the time being.
