Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has never tried to hide his discontent with his current contract situation. But he has always said he wants to continue his career in Seattle.
Bennett's comments in a recent Huffington Post interview, however, suggest his frustrations could be boiling over.
"It is never-ending," Bennett said. "Especially when people are getting new contracts every day. You sit there and you're like, 'Damn, really?' I'm just to the point where it's kind of like, if you don't think I'm valuable, then just get rid of me."
Michael Bennett's agent is planning to meet with the Seahawks early this week, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson. The sides will try to see if they can come to terms on a contract extension.
Bennett has two years left on his current deal. According to OverTheCap.com, 37 defensive linemen had more guaranteed money than Bennett in their current contracts at the time of signing.
The veteran defensive lineman was unhappy last summer, but he showed up to work and had a career season, piling up 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. Bennett has been a key cog in a defense that has led the NFL in fewest points allowed for four straight seasons.
"We're gonna make an effort. An effort so he remains a Seahawk," Seattle coach Pete Carroll said.
Bennett, 30, switched agents during the offseason and did not attend any of the Seahawks' voluntary workouts in the spring. Bennett showed up to minicamp but did not participate because of an ankle injury. He has said previously that he plans on showing up to the start of training camp next weekend.
Last summer, the Seahawks dealt with Kam Chancellor's holdout, which carried into the regular season. The team was hoping to go into this year's training camp with fewer distractions, but Bennett's situation will continue to be a major storyline until the two sides reach some kind of resolution.