National Football League

Michael Bennett hints at possible training camp holdout

Published Jun. 28, 2015 2:50 p.m. ET

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By Vincent Frank

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has been especially chirpy with the media since his team lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this past February.

Already known to want a raise from the four-year, $28.5 million contract he signed with Seattle in March of 2014, Bennett skipped voluntary workouts earlier this offseason. At that point, the enigmatic pass rusher indicated that he wants a contract that places him among the seven highest-paid players at his position.

Staying true to his public rhetoric and attempting to force Seattle’s hand, Bennett opened up further about his contract situation over the weekend.

“Of course, I think I’ve outplayed the contract that they gave me,” Bennett told KHON2 in Hawaii. “It’s one of those things where you have to let your agent do the talking with the team and hopefully something good comes out of it. It never hurts to try.”

That’s not necessarily what we would call an aggressive statement from Bennett. It’s what followed that should raise some eyebrows in the Pacific Northwest.

“Hawaii’s weather is great, so I’ll just keep it at that,” he added. “When the weather’s not as nice as it is here, it’s harder to make that decision, so it just keeps it in my mind like hopefully something great comes out of it, but I don’t mind staying home for a little while.”

Bennett is right in one regard: Hawaii isn’t a bad place to call home. However, if he’s still on the beach sipping cocktails and people-watching come late next month, Seattle will have reason for concern.

Of course, this could just be talk from a defensive end that surely doesn’t hesitate to open his mouth. Remember, it was just back in the spring that reports surfaced that Bennett wanted to be traded to the Atlanta Falcons - reports he has since denied.

While Bennett hangs in Hawaii looking for a new deal, the Seahawks are unlikely to bite any time soon. In reality, general manager John Schneider and company have more pressing issues. Both Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner are set to become free agents following the 2015 season. Meanwhile, Bennett inked his deal just over a year ago. He might be waiting a while before the Seahawks give him a raise.

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