Michael Bennett, who broke into the NFL with the Seahawks in 2009, is coming back on a one-year, $5 million deal as the replacement for Jason Jones, a backup defensive tackle lost in free agency to Detroit, the club said Saturday.
As an undrafted free agent rookie from Texas A&M, Bennett made the the 53-man roster but was cut in week 6 to make room for OT Kyle Williams. Bennett was claimed by Tampa Bay, where he played the past four seasons before becoming a free agent after recording nine sacks in 2012.
Bennett, 6-foot-4 and 271 pounds, fits coach Pete Carroll’s need for versatility, playing both tackle and end. Dan Quinn, the Seahawks’ new defensive coordinator, coached Bennett when both were in Seattle in 2009.
Carroll said DT Cliff Avril, who was signed earlier in the week, has the ability to play some at linebacker.
Bennett, 27, played in 50 games with 28 starts from 2009-2012, including starting all 16 games last season when he posted his team- and career-high sack numbers. Bennett has 114 tackles (84 solo), 15 sacks, two passes defensed, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
His brother, Martellus, is a tight end for the Chicago Bears and has also played for the Dallas Cowboys (2008-11) and the New York Giants (2012).
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Neither Bennett or Avril are DTs. Both are DEs, though Bennett may kick inside to DT on passing downs.