New England Patriots are finalizing a trade for Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive end Michael Bennett according to several NFL sources close to the situation. Patriots will get Bennett and a 2020 seventh-round pick from Eagles, while sending a fifth-rounder in 2020 in exchange.
Eagles were trying to move Bennett for some time now, since the 33-year-old publicly stated that he would like to get a pay more. Since Philly gave DE Brandon Graham a three-year, $40 million contract extension last week, they didn’t have money to throw around and decided that trade might be the best option.
“I think we’re in a tough situation as far as the salary cap and I’m not willing to take a pay cut,” – said Bennett during his recent appearance on NFL Network. “I actually want a pay raise at this point. So whatever happens, just to know whatever team I go to I want to get paid more than what I’m getting paid right now.”
Reportedly, Eagles were willing to release Bennett, who had recorded 34 tackles and nine sacks in 2018, if they were not able to find a trade partner, hence the low asking price.
Besides Philadelphia, Michael Bennett previously played also for Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. Besides winning Super Bowl XLVIII with Seahawks, he also has three Pro Bowl appearances. Bennett’s career stats include 327 tackles, 63.0 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown.
