DE Bennett: 'Probably won't be back' with Seahawks in 2018
Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett says he "probably won't be back" with the Seahawks for the 2018 season.
The two-time Pro Bowler told the Tacoma News Tribune after the Seahawks closed their season on Sunday with a 26-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals that his playing days may be over in Seattle.
"I probably won't be back next year," Bennett told the newspaper. "Just seems like it's a young man's game. I can see them going younger, with younger players. That's part of the game."
The 32-year-old Bennett has three years remaining on a contract the Seahawks extended for $29.5 million through the 2020 season in December 2016. He is due a $4 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the 2018 league year, which begins on March 14.
"With me, I'm fine. I mean, whatever happens, I've loved being a Seahawk," Bennett later told reporters after the game. "You love the organization. You love the players that you played with. We've won a lot of games. So if I am not here, I would never have any hard feelings toward the organization. I love (coach) Pete Carroll and (general manager) John Schneider, and we just move forward. It's part of football.
"This is just part of sports. It just keep growing and you continuously play for another organization, if you have the opportunity."
Bennett is one of several players who might not be back with the Seahawks, who missed the playoffs this season with a 9-7 record. The list includes cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane. In addition, safety Kam Chancellor and defensive end Cliff Avril are dealing with career-threatening neck injuries.
Bennett completed his fifth season with the Seahawks on Sunday and finished with 8.5 sacks in 2017. He told reporters after the game that he played this season with a torn plantar fascia in his foot.
"People, a lot of fans don't realize it when people have injuries and how they play through it," Bennett said. "Most people tear their plantar fascia they don't even do anything. I played through it the whole season. Swollen knee.
"You do what you can for your teammates. You do what you can. That's just the sport."
--Field Level Media
