The Eagles are reportedly hoping to trade Michael Bennett this offseason, but it sounds like the defensive end will not be playing in Philadelphia in 2019 whether they are able to deal him or not.
There have been reports this offseason that the Eagles are shopping Bennett, and Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer was told by multiple sources that Bennett is likely to be released if a trade cannot be worked out.
While Bennett’s salary cap number of $7.2 million seems reasonable for a player of his caliber, the Eagles are loaded on the defensive line and would likely be using him in a reserve role next season. Bennett wants to start, and he said on NFL Network Friday morning that he will not be taking a pay cut to remain in Philly. He acknowledged that he has heard the trade rumors and knows the Eagles are in a tough spot financially.
“But I’m not willing to take a pay cut,” Bennett said. “I actually want a pay raise at this point, and so whatever happens just to know that whatever team I go to I want to get paid more than I get paid right now.”
Bennett has always been an outspoken player, and the Eagles don’t want to deal with any locker room issues if he’s unhappy. The 33-year-old basically admitted that he became a problem in Seattle before the Seahawks moved on from him, so the Eagles are trying to avoid a similar situation.
