The Eagles will likely be moving on from their best defensive end Michael Bennett from last season, according to a report from Philly.com.
The report states that the Eagles are going to either trade or release Bennett, a move being made both because of the fact they are returning both starters -- Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett -- and Bennett not wanting to come off the bench.
Speaking Friday on the NFL Network, defensive end Michael Bennett implied the Eagles have asked him to take a pay cut, something he is not willing to do. In fact, Bennett made it clear he wants a pay raise.
"You always caught off guard when your name is brought up in the trade block or being traded but you understand that people want to acquire your services. We in a tough situation as far as the salary cap. I'm not willing to take a pay cut," Bennett said. "I actually want a pay raise at this point. I just know at this point whatever team I go to I want to get paid more than what I am getting paid right now."
Bennett has a base salary of $6.2 million in 2019, and is also under contract for 2020 at a $7 million base salary. He has no more guaranteed money in his contract. Bennett's salary for 2017 is currently set to be 21st among defensive ends.
"I don't know what's happening with the Eagles. Of course you always wanna be with the team that you played with," Bennett said. "But at the same time, I know it's a business and you want to be able to make money whenever you get the opportunities to. I feel like if you're on the trading block, it's part of the game. But I still know that I"m one of the best players in the NFL. You look at statistically — quarterback hits, TFLs and how I approach the game. I love football. Whatever team I am on I am going to take that same attitude."
Bennett had an outstanding first season for the Eagles in 2018, totaling nine sacks and 68 total pressures. Bennett's 68 pressures were 5th in the NFL last season.
The Eagles asking Bennett to take a pay cut, if true, is not surprising, as top personnel Howie Roseman usually tinkers with player's contracts each offseason to try to save the team money and open up cap space. Bennett not wanting to take a pay cut is also not surprising, however, as he had a great season and is a very important part of the team.
The question is, what happens next?
Trading Bennett would be a major blow to the Eagles, unless they are able to land another elite pass rusher to replace him. Bringing back an unhappy Bennett could also be an issue.
The unofficial start of free agency in the NFL begins on Monday and it is likely whatever happens with Bennett will be decided either by Monday or shortly thereafter.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
