Eagles’ Michael Bennett says he’s not willing to take a pay cut, actually wants a raise

One of the Philadelphia Eagles’ players rumored to be on the trade block this offseason, veteran defensive end Michael Bennett, was on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Friday and discussed potentially being traded.

Perhaps the most interesting part from his entire segment was that he acknowledged the Eagles’ cap situation and elaborated that he’s not willing to let that affect his wallet:

“I’m not willing to take a pay cut, I actually want a pay raise at this point, and so just to know that whatever team I go to, I want to be paid more than I’m getting paid right now.”

Bennett is currently set to make $7.2 million in 2019 with a $6.2 million base salary and an additional $1 million in per game roster bonuses. The Eagles can cut or trade Bennett to save $7.2 million in cap space with zero dead money.

Bennett also talked about how being on the trading block is just part of the business:

“I don’t know what’s happening with the Eagles. Of course you want to be with the team you’re with, but at the same time it’s a business, and you want to be able to make money whenever you get the opportunities to. And I feel like if you’re on the trading block it’s just a part of the game, but at the same time I still know I’m still one of the best players in the NFL.

You look at statistically last year, quarterback hits, TFLs and how I approach the game, I love football and whatever team I’m on, I’m going to take that same attitude and go out there and be a nasty player and try to dominate that defensive line and be the best teammate and best player I can possibly be.”

He also talked a bit about Nick Foles and the “magic” that surrounds him and said that the QB just has the type of character that people want to follow, and that he’s a tough guy and is able to take big hits and get back up, which is a trait other players can respect.