It’s looking as though Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett may be rewarded for not holding out last season. The Pro Bowler voiced his displeasure before the start of the 2015 season, but ultimately reported to camp and played in all 16 regular season games.
Kam Chancellor, who also was unhappy with his relatively new contract decided to hold out for Seattle’s first two games. The Seahawks lost both games and Chancellor felt the pressure to return. During the holdout, fans sounded off with their displeasure and once he returned his play actually worsened his chances of getting a new deal.
Now it’s being reported that Bennett’s new agent, who also represents Marshawn Lynch, is meeting with the team to discuss a new deal despite the original four-year, $28.5 million extension still having two years remaining. Whether it wants to or not, the team is sending a message to players that this is the way to behave when dissatisfied with your situation.
Having established himself as one of the NFL’s best linemen, it’s good to see Seattle trying to lock him up. With Chancellor, it appears that a trade would be more likely than an extension at this point. I find it hard to believe that either John Schneider or Pete Carroll would want to move a player who is widely regarded as one of the best strong safeties in the league for what would amount to a late round draft pick.
Expect Chancellor in camp, ready to play the 2016 season under the terms of his current deal. If the team doesn’t negotiate a new deal at some point during the season, it’s likely they will the following offseason.
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