Just when you thought it was safe to get back to living your normally scheduled life, John Schneider and Pete Carroll say "nah, F that BS!" I was at work when I saw that the Hawks had signed Michael Bennett for a "measly" (to Paul Allen at least) $5 Million. I couldn't contain myself for the rest of the shift and literally jogged home from the train chanting "SEA... HAWKS" under my breath. Yeah, I'm pumped. Bennett's 1 year deal is almost identical to the one signed by Jason Jones last season during Free Agency. It gives Bennett the opportunity, like Cliff Avril before him, to improve his market value with a great showing in 2013. Moves like this are becoming a John Schneider trademark, so I don't really know why I'm surprised. I guess I just never thought I'd see the day where very good players were taking bargain contracts in order to get a chance to come play for a winner in Seattle. Everyone in the Seahawks Front Office needs to take a bow right now for making this happen.
Bennett was the guy I was hoping Seattle would land this off-season. Even more so than Desmond Bryant, I was hoping that Seattle would see what I saw and bring in Bennett to play all along the Seahawks line. I expect him to line up at the 3-Tech in the Hawks Nickel D, while also spelling Red Bryant at the 5-Tech. He should offer a nice change of pace on the outside, as Bryant is strictly a run-defender at this point. Bennett offers much more in terms of pass-rush ability, while also being a stout defender against the run on the edge.
At this point, the rest of the NFL must be feeling like Tony "Duke" Evers (Apollo's trainer up above) right about now. Yet again the Seahawks have been able to turn a position of weakness into a position of strength. They acted quick and wisely. The much-maligned pass rush just got a whole lot better with the addition of two of the best DL's that were on the market. All at remarkable value for the club. This deal, like the Avril one, injects the Hawks with talent for 2013 without tying their hands financially in the future. Unbelievable work by John Schneider and no, typing that NEVER gets old.
Bennett's no stranger to the Pacific Northwest. Signed by the Seahawks as a UDFA out of Texas A&M, Bennett had an excellent showing in Training Camp and the preseason before being cut for no apparent reason except for the team to keep OT Kyle Williams instead. Williams went on to never do anything for the Hawks and it continues to serve as a reminder that Tim Ruskell did a pretty miserable job in Seattle. I can't believe I once uttered the phrase "In Ruskell We Trust!" proudly. My Seahawk fandom should be revoked for that but luckily it hasn't been and I've been able to watch the present unfold right before my eyes.
So Bennett is back in Seattle, but meanwhile back in Tampa, Bucs fans are none too pleased with the decision to let Bennett walk over $5 Million.
Bucs fans react to losing Bennett
It appeared that Bennett was going to allow the Bucs a chance to match any offer he received and that he wanted to end his career with Tampa Bay. His agent later retracted those statements on his behalf, likely to preserve his value on the market, but the sentiment remains. Bennett preferred staying in Tampa Bay and yet somehow John Schneider and co. came away with him for $5 Million on just a one year deal. I'm in agreement with the Bucs fans in that thread, this is a major steal for the Seahawks and a great value signing. Bennett is now entering his prime and I could see him putting up a great season for the Seahawks. He appears to be exactly what the Hawks were looking for in Jason Jones, only more durable and stronger against the run. He lacks the speed and athleticism that Jones has, but the traits above more than make up for it. You can't argue with the kind of production he's provided in Tampa Bay over the last two years. The Avondale, Louisiana native has registered 13 sacks over the past two seasons since working his way from UDFA backup to starter. His 9 sacks in 2012 were a career high and something that Seattle hopes he can build upon in 2013.
So what will the Seahawks think of next? Could Charles Woodson be coming to town? He's currently visiting with the 49ers but we've already heard Pete Carroll gush over him a few weeks ago. Whoever they bring in next, it's sure to surprise almost everyone. The beautiful part about all of this is that now, not having our 1st round pick doesn't seem so bad anymore when you consider we turned it into Percy Harvin and bolstered the pass rush with 2 guys that will probably be better this season than anyone we'd get at 25, especially on the defensive line. It usually takes time for defensive linemen to develop, so counting on a bunch of rookies to get the job done might not have cut it when the team is this close to being Super Bowl ready. Now, Schneider and Carroll can kick back and relax, crank up those reggae tunes, and let the draft come to them. Maybe the rest of the NFL SHOULD just throw in the towel?
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