Seahawks' Michael Bennett wants top-8 defensive end money

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has broken his silence about his absence from OTAs and - surprise! - it's about money.

"Trying to get the contract right," Bennett said when asked why he's skipping the voluntary workouts, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. "I’ll be there shortly. I don’t know when I’ll be there. Depends on the team and stuff. See how it works out."

Bennett, who signed a four-year deal worth a maximum of $28.5 million in 2014, says he wants a new contract equal to some of the best players at his position.

"Somewhere near the top seven at my position, top eight at my position," Bennett said. "Not a lot of guys play inside and out (meaning both tackle and end). Not a lot of guys do what I do. So I feel like I should be somewhere near there."

Bennett's current deal places him in a tie for 14th in average yearly salary among 4-3 defensive ends.

Frankly, it's difficult to see the Seahawks giving Bennett what he wants. Not only must the team pinch its pennies in anticipation of giving quarterback Russell Wilson a mega-extension in the next year or so, but renegotiating with Bennett only a year into a long-term deal sets a dangerous precedent. Other players may stage similar holdouts to force similar raises.

Then again, the Seahawks have proven willing to go out of their way to keep their stars happy. Running back Marshawn Lynch staged a brief holdout last offseason (and even threatened retirement). In the end, he was rewarded with a small bump in guaranteed money.