Former Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday morning.
The former Pro Bowler on Instagram wrote that, “Retiring feels a little like death of self, but I’m looking forward to rebirth - the opportunity to reimagine my purpose.”
Bennett said he’s at peace with his decision.
Bennett, 34, didn’t play in Philly long. He spent the 2018 season with the Eagles, playing in all 16 games and starting 10. His one season with the Eagles came after three consecutive Pro Bowls with the Seahawks.
In 2018, Bennett had 9.0 sacks, 30 QB hits and 15 tackles for loss. His 9.0 sacks that season were second on the team to Fletcher Cox, who had 10.5.
NFL
The Eagles acquired Bennett and a 7th-round pick for Marcus Johnson and a 5th round pick back in March of 2018. And they got good production out of him for a year.
Similarly to how they got him, the Eagles shipped Bennett and a 7th to New England for a 5th in 2019. Bennett eventually got suspended by the Patriots for conduct detrimental to the team and was then traded to the Cowboys where he finished the 2019 season and his career.
When the Eagles traded Bennett he made it clear he was not willing to take a pay cut. And even though he was their most productive defensive end, the Eagles weren’t willing to pay him his full salary and saved $7.2 million in cap space by trading him. Also, his fit in the building was a little forced. Bennett was always one of the more eccentric and unusual players in the NFL. While always thoughtful, Bennett can be a lot and his personality was, at times, trying.
His time with the Eagles was short-lived but Bennett played a total of 11 seasons in the NFL, went to three Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLVIII. Not bad for the undrafted defensive lineman from Texas A&M.
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