Michael Bennett's Response to Suspension Pretty Much Indicates His Time With Patriots Could Be Over
By Michael Luciano
The New England Patriots are a perfect 7-0, virtually have the AFC locked up, and are currently sporting one of the best defenses ever to play the game. What player on that team could possibly be unhappy?
Well, pass rusher Michael Bennett, who was traded to New England from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, has made it clear that he thinks he's being used improperly in Bill Belichick's defense. On top of that, he has all but demanded a trade while stating his one-game suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team" meant nothing to him.
Michael Bennett isn’t happy with his role in New England. Bennett told reporters that he took nothing away from his one-game suspension for conduct detrimental. “I got suspended, lost money. What am I supposed to take away from that?"
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) October 23, 2019
Do you want to be traded? "It's up to them."
Bennett, who has made three Pro Bowls in his career and has recorded seven or more sacks in every season but one since 2012, has just five tackles and 2.5 sacks this year. He hasn't played more defensive snaps than the 37 he played in Week 1. Since then, his snaps have gone down every week, and he logged just 11 in New England's win over the New York Giants.
Bennett, who once said he likes playing in New England, has changed his tune on playing for Belichick, saying that "it is what it is" when asked about how he likes the place.
DE Michael Bennett addressed reporters for the first time since returning from a team suspension. At one point, he said he likes playing in New England. At another point, when asked if he is happy here, he said, “It is what it is, man.”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 23, 2019
Bennett is aging and declining, and the Patriots are humming along without him playing, so his tenure in New England is likely to come to a close assuming they can find a trade partner.