The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Report: Seahawks shopping Bennett
Pro Bowl defensive lineman due $3M roster bonus soon.
Michael Bennett’s already uncertain future with the Seahawks became even shakier with a report from ESPN that Seattle is shopping the veteran defensive lineman during talks with teams at the NFL combine.
Bennett’s future has been the subject of much discussion since the end of the 2017 season when Bennett said on several occasions he didn’t know for sure if he would be back with the team in 2018.
Coach Pete Carroll didn’t throw any cold water on the idea that team could move on from Bennett when asked about Bennett’s status during his press conference Thursday.
“I haven’t talked to Mike in a while now,” Carroll said. “But it’s the time of year, conversations going in all directions.”
The ESPN report makes clear it is Seattle initiating many of those conversations when it comes to Bennett.
The Seahawks are also thought at least listening to offers for cornerback Richard Sherman and potentially safety Earl Thomas, the latter mostly dependent on if Seattle thinks it will have difficulty re-signing Thomas, whose contract expires following the 2018 season and has already said he would consider holding out if he does not get a new deal before the season begins.
Seattle wouldn’t save much money with an outright release of Bennett, which would also be a further motivation for hoping to get anything in a trade. He will count $7.4 million against the salary cap in 2018 with the team able to save only $2.2 million by cutting him or releasing him.
What’s almost certain is that something will have to happen by March 18, when Bennett is owed a reported $3 million roster bonus. He made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons.
Dolphins: Agreed to acquire Rams edge rusher Robert Quinn for a midround draft pick, multiple media outlets reported. Quinn has 62½ career sacks, including 8½ last year, when he started 14 games. He spent his first six NFL seasons with the Rams at end but played outside linebacker last season.
Quinn is expected to bolster a Dolphins pass rush that was disappointing in 2017. They had 30 sacks, tied for sixth-fewest, and ranked fifth worst in opposing passer rating.
Quinn, the 14th pick of the 2011 draft, made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014. He struggled with injuries in 2015, eventually having season-ending back surgery, and a concussion limited him to nine games in 2016. He’s due a base salary of $10 million this year and is under contract through 2019.
Meantime, the Dolphins have given receiver Jarvis Landry permission to seek a trade, and Landry plans to work with the Dolphins in helping facilitate one.
Landry plans to sign the franchise tag — a necessary step before he can be traded. The Dolphins said they would be OK with Landry playing next season with the $16 million franchise tag if a trade cannot be facilitated.
Bills: Cornerback Vontae Davis says the opportunity to play in a talented young secondary is what eventually drew him to sign a oneyear contract with Buffalo.
Davis also says he’s put behind last year’s dispute with former Colts coach Chuck Pagano that eventually led to Indianapolis cutting him in early November. The 29-year-old Davis called it “one of those unfortunate situations,” and is focused on moving forward.
He spoke during a conference call Friday, three days after signing with Buffalo. The nine-year NFL veteran called it “intriguing” to join a secondary made up of safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White, a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender last season.
Falcons: Released defensive end Derrick Shelby and announced plans to release tight end Levine Toilolo. The moves will save a combined $6.75 million in cap space. The cost-cutting moves could help the Falcons reach a new deal with quarterback Matt Ryan, who can be a free agent after the 2018 season.