Seahawks Will Trade Michael Bennett To Eagles

SEATTLE, WA - The Seahawks will deal defensive end Michael Bennett and a seventh-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver Marcus Johnson and a fifth-round pick, ESPN reported Wednesday. Bennett led the team with 8.5 sacks last season and has earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. However, injuries have been a concern for the 33-year-old in recent years.

Bennett is also known for his on- and 0ff-the-field political activism. He often sat out the national anthem in protest of racially targeted police brutality. He was active in the league's social justice efforts.

He spoke out last year after he was held at gunpoint by a Las Vegas police officer during a search for an active shooter. Bennett ran to seek safety, but police stopped him at gunpoint for "simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

Bennett, who has been with the team for five years, thanked the city of Seattle via an Instagram post. "You fans are world class. The way you support us players on and off the field, helping to build bridges across our communities and understand what it means to give back and be community-minded. I am forever grateful for allowing me to grow and evolve in this time that I’ve had with you."

Imagae via Getty Images/Joe Robbins