Updated Mar 15, 2013 - 11:24 am

Reports: Seahawks reach deal with DL Michael Bennett

By Brady Henderson

Hours after the Seahawks announced their two-year deal with Cliff Avril, the team has reportedly reached an agreement with another free-agent pass rusher.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Seahawks and defensive end Michael Bennett have agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal. ESPN and the NFL Network have also reported the agreement.

Bennett, 27, had a career-high nine sacks last season for the Buccaneers. He had six sacks over the previous three seasons with Tampa Bay. Bennett actually started his career with the Seahawks in 2009 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M. He was waived that season.

Bennett is listed as a defensive end, but at 6-foot-4 and 274 pounds he could project as an interior pass-rusher as well.

The Seahawks have now made two significant moves to address their pass rush, perhaps the team's most glaring need heading into the offseason. Avril and Bennett combined for 18.5 sacks last season.

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Rangerhawk wrote...

Seeing these moves on the heels of the 2012 season

January 1, 2002 1:29 am

We can realistically ponder doing what hasn't been done since 1972. Oh yeah, I'm going there, and I know I'm not alone!

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SeaTownSportsAtic wrote...

....

March 14, 2013 4:08 pm

This seems to be a "Jason Jones-isk" type deal for a player with much higher upside. I like it :)

544744

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wrsawy12 wrote...

wow

March 14, 2013 4:27 pm

the Seattle freaking Seahawks. I know you can't "buy" a super bowl, but they are trying. Now they have an outside rusher in Avril, and inside rusher in Bennett, Irvin as the situational guy and Clem sitting in the wings rehabing his ACL. This leaves the draft wide open, they can go DT, LB, CB - simply incredible what they are doing in free agency. This season is going to be fun, fun fun.

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beastnation wrote...

i want him

March 14, 2013 6:21 pm

how bout taking a chance on tyrann mathieu. if anyone can get him to stay on the right side its carroll. if he plays the way he can this defense is gonna be GREAT

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Derrol_o wrote...

not quite trying to buy a SB

March 14, 2013 8:02 pm

The one difference between what Pete and John are doing here as compared to Ruskell and past regimes is that Pete and John have built a solid foundation for long term success first before hitting the free agent market while free agency was the be all end all with Ruskell. They've already built a Super Bowl contender and these free agent signings are for that one last push to put them over the top. Not only that but they are sticking with a sound strategy of signing younger free agents instead of the 30ish free agents. These guys are in their prime or just hitting their prime with a lot of incentive to keep on producing at a high level. These guys are doing it the right way and avoiding the pitfalls normally associated with free agency.

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jgwjets wrote...

Show no mercy!

March 14, 2013 4:33 pm

The Hawks have some what quietly caught the Niners defense with this move. Abril/Bennett added Niners lose Gholston. I approve.

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Oregon Duck fan wrote...

Honestly....

March 14, 2013 4:34 pm

the way Pete runs things... I could see some of these high profile guys being cut, Pete says "Always compete!" And I think the battle could come down to a (hopefully) healthy Chris Clemons, Avril, and Bennett????? I dont think seattle has the money to really have all 3 guys, it would be nice though

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Rayvensdad wrote...

Do not...

December 31, 2001 10:10 pm

count on seeing Chris Clemons starting the season. Most don't come back as quickly as Adrian Peterson did when involving the ACL. Avril, Bennett, and Irvin will easily suffice until Clemons is healthy again... more like IF he's healthy and productive again. And to say "I dont think seattle has the money to really have all 3 guys"... of course they do. Their core is being paid significantly less, including the all expensive QB position. When you hit this well on draft picks and early contracts it allows one to make such free agent moves.

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EricYang wrote...

.....

March 14, 2013 5:14 pm

chemistry issues?????

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Rayvensdad wrote...

Chemistry issues???

March 14, 2013 9:14 pm

Nah... They don't have to worry about chemistry... or biology... or algebra.

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hawksfangreg wrote...

Something Nasty is Comin

March 14, 2013 5:51 pm

and they thought we were loud this year.... Oh and if Mr Clemmons cant start opening day...He should be the one raising the 12th man flag.

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hawksfangreg wrote...

We need Tebow!

March 14, 2013 6:16 pm

Bring him in to compete at the tight end position. All of this praise and positive vibe has me all unsettled. We need a screwball acquisition that nobody sees coming to set things straight.

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Rayvensdad wrote...

We've got a straight shot route to the superbowl...

March 14, 2013 9:15 pm

And you want to put in a detour???

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beastnation wrote...

WOW

March 14, 2013 6:24 pm

our pass rush is gonna be scary good and maybe scary great.

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Johnnymac50 wrote...

Did you say "pass rushers"?

March 14, 2013 6:26 pm

The careful, calculated moves are well thought out and so practical that it is unsettlingly positive to me.The team can attract young, experienced players who can help Seattle win right now. Barring "you-know-whats", this could be an epic season in the making.

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Updated Mar 15, 2013 - 11:24 am

Reports: Seahawks reach deal with DL Michael Bennett

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