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We have been talking about Atlanta’s interest in Pro Bowl pass rusher Michael Bennett the past few days, after news the team had discussed internally and spoke to the Seahawks about trading for Bennett. He made sense as a replacement for Adrian Clayborn, who is expected to earn more money elsewhere.
All that was for nothing, because the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately brought home the pass rusher.
Here it goes: Seahawks are trading DE Michael Bennett and a seventh-round pick to Eagles for a fifth-round pick and WR Marcus Johnson, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2018
Honestly I’m surprised the Falcons were unable to outbid this package. I’m guessing they had a price and refused to budge on it. Marcus Johnson, based on a quick Google search, caught 5 passes last year in 10 games. The Falcons traded their fifth-round pick in this draft for Ty Sambrailo, an unpopular move that never paid dividends. Atlanta’s choices may have been limited to bumping up to a fourth-round pick, which would have definitely been too much for Bennett.
The Falcons are left with needing a Michael Bennett/Adrian Clayborn type, but will probably be stuck adding one in the NFL draft. They have not been overly aggressive with clearing up cap space, suggesting they don’t plan to be very active in free agency. The early indications are they will need a solid haul in the draft.