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Seahawks’ Michael Bennett won’t hold out despite contract displeasure

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennet doesn’t plan to hold out into training camp, despite being unhappy with his contract.
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Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett doesn’t plan to hold out into training camp, despite being unhappy with his contract, he told ESPN Seattle’s “Brock and Salk.”

“Why wouldn't I be at training camp?” Bennett said. “Of course I’ll be there. I’ll see you there for sure.”

Bennett signed a four-year, $28.5 million contract extension in 2014 after his first season with the Seahawks, but said he considered holding out for more money before last season.

“Any American wants to get paid more at their job,” Bennett said. “I don’t think there’s anybody that goes to work and says: ‘Hey, I’m happy with how much I’m getting paid, and I love it. Don’t give me any more money.’ So that’s how I feel too.”

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Despite his admitted desire to earn more money, Bennett did not approve of Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford’s brief holdout after he demanded a trade last month.

“I listened to Sam Bradford again. I just almost threw up,” Bennett said. “I can't believe Sam Bradford is complaining about making $40 million in the next two years, and because he actually has to compete for a position. This guy, this guy right here definitely sets a bad tone of what a player should be.

“If I was his teammate...how can you play with a guy that doesn’t want to compete at a high level and feels like his position should be solidified without even putting up the stats or the wins to back that up?”

Bennett made his first Pro Bowl in 2015.