Defensive end Michael Bennett was in attendance for the start of mandatory mini-camp for the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday after skipping voluntary workouts due to displeasure with his current contract.
Bennett still has two years remaining on the four-year, $28.5 million contract signed following the 2013 Super Bowl season. Bennett has said he doesn’t plan on holding out from training camp to attempt a force his way into a new deal with Seattle.
“It’s up to the organization what they do. I just want to be a great teammate and a great player,” Bennett said.
Bennett said he isn’t taking much notice of the contracts given to defensive players such as Malik Jackson (Jacksonville), Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia) and Olivier Vernon (NY Giants).
“I don’t really pay attention to too many contracts,” he said. “It can make your stomach hurt. It’s like seeing your favorite girlfriend get married to somebody else.”
That being said, Bennett believes he’s worth that type of money.
“Of course I am,” Bennett said. “If you look at the stats of those guys, what they’ve done the last couple years, I’m at the top of that list in every statistical category if you look at it. Tackles for loss, quarterback hits, hurries, games played, positions played. I mean, it speaks for itself.”
Bennett is not taking part in the practices due to what he called an ankle injury. He said he’s in the best shape of his career and will be good to go for the start of training camp next month.
