After re-signing Brandon Graham via three-year, $40MM deal, the Eagles are gauging the market for Michael Bennett. A year after trading for the longtime Seahawks stalwart, Philadelphia discussed possible deals that would send the veteran defensive end elsewhere, Geoff Mosher of Patreon.com notes.
Graham’s return preserves the Eagles’ surplus at defensive end, and Philly.com’s Jeff McLane adds Derek Barnett will be penciled in as the other starter. Bennett was unhappy being a second-stringer to start last season, per McLane.
It is not yet certain if Philly will retain Chris Long, but the team’s two-deep depth chart here is among the strongest position groups in the NFL. However, the Eagles do not have much to spend this offseason, especially after bringing back Graham. Philadelphia holds just more than $4MM in cap space as of Monday. A Bennett trade would clear $7.2MM off the Eagles’ books. No guaranteed money remains on the versatile 33-year-old defender’s deal, which runs through 2020.
Philadelphia gave up a fifth-round pick to acquire Bennett from Seattle last year, and he delivered yet another quality campaign. Bennett registered nine sacks, tying the second-most he’s recorded in a season, and graded as a top-25 edge defender via Pro Football Focus.
With nickel sets so prominent in today’s game, Bennett obviously still has a place on the Eagles as an inside rusher. But he could help another team’s line and save Philly critical cash as well. And with the top free agent veteran edge defenders being franchise-tagged, Bennett’s market could be interesting, given his production and affordable deal.
they will not get anything for his services largely because he is a Me First guy and an out of control ego. the eagles took their chance last year in signing him….he is not what he use to be and the eagles should simply get rid of him
9 sacks for an interior rusher would say otherwise. NICE try though.
He played very well but his reputation precedes him and he gets no benefit of any calls. That said, I don’t care what they get in return for him, but he might have rehabilitated things in his one year incident free.
Hope the cowboys trade a 5th rounder for him and get the same production
He should be shopping for some sleeves.
Please don’t eagles. Guy is a beast and played much better than graham last season
I personally can’t stand this guy, but he would make all 31 other teams better. Assuming no regression.
The look on his face fits the headline perfectly.
really? I hope no one gives them a good enough offer and they keep him.
Bennett, Agholor, and a 3rd round pick to Pitt for AB and a 4th round pick.
I know we need cap space, but they don’t know if Long is coming back and how Barnett will stay on the field without getting hurt. Sweat has the athleticism but another injury guy.
Patriots? If I remember correctly they were interested in him last off-season and could be a good replacement for Flowers at a lesser price
One of the best guys in the leagues. Absolutely loved his book. I’d love to see him as a NY Giant.
I’d love to see him as a NY Giant too…
I love his work with LVPD. Very stand up guy….
Torn on this. Yeah we could use the cap space but dude was also our sack leader last year. If we got something crazy like a 3rd for him I see it but no way would I give him up for what we paid to get him
Nobody will make an offer when they realize Philly will just let him walk with no cap hit. Surprised if they get their 5th back even bough he played very well.