Report: Michael Bennett seeking trade to Falcons

Is Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett looking to reunite with his former defensive coordinator?

According to Clarence Hill of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Bennett has informed the Seahawks that he would like to be traded to the Atlanta Falcons. Bennett, who signed a four-year, $28 million extension with the Seahawks last year, is also said to be seeking a new contract.

This is extremely bizarre news, as Bennett has seemed perfectly content with Seattle and earned a big raise after he signed a one-year deal with the team in 2013. Perhaps he views himself as one of the game’s elite pass-rushers and is now looking to be paid accordingly.

With Atlanta looking to get more pressure on the quarterback next season, it is possible Bennett has spoken to new Falcons head coach and former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn about reuniting.

Bennett, 29, has roughly eight sacks per season over the last three years and has not missed a game during that span. While Ndamukong Suh is a much better player than Bennett and sees more double-teams, he is 28 and has averaged around seven sacks per season since 2012. Suh just received a $114 million contract from the Miami Dolphins that includes $60 million guaranteed.

Whether by coincidence or not, Pro Football Talk reports that the Seahawks are scheduled to host free agent defensive tackle Greg Hardy for a visit this week. Hardy, who was suspended for all but one game last season, has 27 sacks in his last 32 games.

The Seahawks have told Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times that any reports about Bennett seeking a trade are news to them. After re-watching this footage of Bennett from the NFC Championship Game, we’re pretty stunned, too.