The Sports Xchange

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett made it clear Thursday that he does want to be paid more but does not want to be traded.

In an interview with KING-5 TV’s “New Day Northwest,” Bennett said, “I think everyone who has a job (wants) a raise for whatever they’re doing. I’m just like any other American. I think everybody wants to be paid a little bit more, so I don’t think I fall short of that.”

He added, “When you ask for a little more money, they assume that you want to be traded or something like that. But that’s not what I’m trying to go for.”

Asked directly if he wanted to be traded, he said, “No.”

Bennett’s comments come in the wake of a second report this week indicating he wants out of Seattle.

A report last month said Bennett was unhappy with his contract and wanted to be dealt to the Atlanta Falcons, who are now coached by former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

Shortly after that report, Bennett told 710 ESPN Seattle he never asked for a trade. “They made rumors about Jesus. They’ll make rumors about anybody,” he said.

The latest report, from Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, said Bennett and his agent “have made it clear he’d rather not be back in Seattle.”

Bennett is in the second year of a four-year, $28.5 million contract. He was paid $10 million in 2014 and his $6 million salary this year is guaranteed. In 2016, he is due $4 million, plus $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. In 2017, he has a $6 million salary and $1.5 million in bonuses.

His deal ranks 14th among NFL defensive ends in average annual value, matching teammate Cliff Avril.