According to NFL.com and Pro Football Talk, the defensive end has agreed to a four-year deal worth $8 million per year.
Bennett was hotly pursued by the Bears, who reportedly were prepared to offer him more than Seattle. It was clear that he was not in the mood for bargain shopping. In February, he told NFL Network: “There is no such thing as discount. This isn’t Costco, this isn’t Walmart; this is real life.”
He accounted for 8 ½ sacks during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run. He just saw Vikings’ defensive lineman Everson Griffen re-signed to a five-year, $42.5 million contract, with $20 million guaranteed. That might have set the tone for Bennett, as well as free agents Michael Johnson and Lamarr Houston.
Bennett took a chance on himself last offseason by signing a one-year deal for $3 million in base salary. That gamble paid off as Bennett became one of the hottest commodities in free agency.
"I mean I always bet on myself and believe in myself and my talents and being able to come here and get a chance to play with these guys, I knew it was going to be special," Bennett said on Feb. 5.
From the time Seattle was done celebrating its first Super Bowl championship, Bennett indicated a desire to stay with the Seahawks but only for the right price. He knew this was his one chance to cash in on a big contract as an unrestricted free agent. It's why Bennett waited until after teams could begin speaking with agents regarding unrestricted free agents and seeing what was available on the open market before deciding on a return to Seattle.
"I love the team, I love my teammates. I mean Pete (Carroll) does a great job of letting us play. So I want to be a part of that," Bennett said after the victory parade. "I know we can go back and win the Super Bowl again with all of these guys, but it's a business. But I definitely want to be back."
Seattle seemed to understand what it would take to retain Bennett. The Seahawks parted with defensive end Red Bryant and wide receiver Sidney Rice to create additional salary cap space. Carroll and general manager John Schneider have been steadfast that their top priorities in free agency were retaining their own players and not making big splashes by signing others. Bennett was at the top of the list with wide receiver Golden Tate not far behind.
"We want this team together, we want to see if we can keep this team together," Carroll said following the Super Bowl. "Every decision is difficult that we have to face and guys that are at the end of their contracts, those are big issues for us. We love the guys, we love what they do and what they bring, and we'd like to keep together as best as we can."
JETS RELEASE HOLMES
Tone Time is over for the New York Jets.
The Jets parted ways with wide receiver Santonio Holmes on Monday, cutting the talented but injury-plagued playmaker after four seasons.
The move, which had been expected, saves the Jets $8.25 million, which Holmes was due to make as his base salary this season. He was also scheduled to have a $10.75 million cap number, a lofty total for a one-time Super Bowl MVP who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency the last two seasons.
The Jets also released cornerback Antonio Cromartie on Sunday, clearing $17.75 million of salary cap space before the NFL's free agency period starts Tuesday. New York could also save another $8.3 million if they cut quarterback Mark Sanchez, who missed last season with a shoulder injury.
Holmes, who turned 30 last Monday, had 23 catches — the second-lowest total of his career — for 456 yards and a touchdown in 11 games last season. He missed five games midway through the season with a hamstring injury. Holmes played in just four games in 2012 and was sidelined for several months after suffering a career-threatening foot injury.
In December, Holmes said he would be willing to restructure his contract to remain a member of the Jets, adding that how much of a pay cut he'd be asked to take probably wouldn't play into his decision to want to stay.
"I appreciate Tone's contributions over the last four seasons," coach Rex Ryan said in a statement. "I've always admired his knack for making the clutch play. He's a tremendous competitor who wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. I wish him nothing but the best."
Holmes signed a five-year, $45 million deal before the 2011 season after a solid first year with the Jets, who acquired him from Pittsburgh for a fifth-round draft pick. He agreed to restructure his contract in March 2012, when he took a $3.5 million cut to his scheduled base salary of $11 million for last season.
Holmes has 381 career catches for 5,963 yards and 36 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons.
PANTHERS CLOSE TO CHOPPING SMITH
The Carolina Panthers have put wide receiver Steve Smith on the trading block, the NFL Network reports. Unfortunately, that just means Smith is closer to the chopping block after 13 seasons with the team.
The Panthers are trying to deal Smith, who turns 35 in May, to avoid taking a $7 million salary cap hit in 2014. At that current contract, it will be difficult to move a five-time Pro Bowler coming off a season with diminished returns (64 receptions, 745 yards, four touchdowns).
Wide receiver is a big positional need for Carolina, which is working to build on an NFC South-winnning season and become better around quarterback Cam Newton. If Smith moves on, there's a good chance the Panthers field two new starting wideouts in '14. Brandon LaFell becomes an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
From the outside, it seems the Panthers could benefit from keeping Smith for a 14th season. But it's clear that general manager Dave Gettleman would prefer that happens with Smith taking a lesser role. As a proud veteran who may not be the mentor or situational player type, Smith's better bet may be being let go with a chance to land on another contender.
CHARGERS RE-SIGN RINEHART
The San Diego Chargers are holding onto its most valuable pieces before they hit the free agent market.
On Monday, left guard Chad Rinehart was re-signed to a two-year deal. The Chargers have also re-signed linebacker Donald Butler and special teams player Darrell Stuckey.
The Giants were said to be interested in Rinehart, who started 10 games for the Chargers in 2013. Quarterback Philip Rivers had a resurgence last year, thanks in part to his offensive line. With Rinehart staying put, San Diego returns the entire starting unit for the 2014 season.
STEELERS SET TO RELEASE WOODLEY
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their choice at outside linebacker, and it isn't LaMarr Woodley.
A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press the Steelers will part ways with the former Pro Bowler, a move that hardly serves as a surprise after fifth-year linebacker Jason Worilds agreed to accept a "transition player" tag last week.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move is not yet official. The 29-year-old Woodley will likely be designated a post-June 1 salary cap cut, but is free to sign with another team when the new league year begins Tuesday afternoon.
By postponing the move until after June 1, the Steelers would free up about $8 million in salary cap space in 2014. The money saved will likely go toward signing the team's selections in the NFL Draft in May. Woodley will, however, count $8.5 million against the team's cap number in 2015.
Woodley signed a six-year, $61.5 million contract in 2011, but has struggled to remain healthy. He missed at least three games in each of the last three seasons as hamstring and other lower body issues kept him sidelined for long stretches.
FORD'S WIFE TO TAKE OVER LIONS
The wife of William Clay Ford will take over his controlling interest in the Detroit Lions after the longtime owner's death.
The Lions announced Monday that Ford's interest in the team passes to Martha Ford, pursuant to "long-established succession plans."
William Clay Ford died Sunday. The 88-year-old Ford was the last surviving grandchild of automotive pioneer Henry Ford.
William Clay Ford married the former Martha Parke Firestone, an heiress to the Akron, Ohio, rubber fortune. Her grandfather, Harvey Firestone, was a close friend of Henry Ford.
The team says William Clay Ford Jr. remains in his role as vice chairman of the Lions.
Contributors: Rana L. Cash, Vinnie Iyer, The Associated Press
