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Patriots Gridiron News: Michael Bennett is having the best week ever

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots new defensive end Michael Bennett is having a pretty good week which includes a pay raise from his new team.

While Michael Bennett may temporarily take the sting away from the New England Patriots losing a young, rising defensive star in Trey Flowers, he is also capable of making things uneasy in his new home.

Off the field drama and contract talks are typically the two things that causes Bill Belichick to cut ties with a player, no matter how big the star…well, maybe anyone not named Tom Brady.

So, excuse us all if the trade for Bennett didn’t come with some skepticism.  Given the fact that he made it clear he wanted a pay raise, this new marriage between the disruptive and outspoken defensive end and the reigning Super Bowl champions would seem in flux before Bennett even stepped on the field.

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Well, shockingly, the Patriots have given Michael Bennett that pay raise showing that the veteran defensive end is more than a place holder in New England.

As Field Yates initially reported Tuesday, the Patriots and Bennett agreed to rework a two-year deal with a base value of $16.75 million, including a $4 million signing bonus.  In translation, Bennett gets more guaranteed money and starts his tenure with the New England Patriots on an upbeat tone.

In losing Flowers, obtaining Bennett has become an important move for a team looking to beef up the pass rush along with defending the run.  Even at the age of 33, Michael Bennett is a productive force who should help the growth of young pass rushers Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise and whichever NFL prospect the Patriots select in the draft.

A good week so far for the new defensive end? Well, it got better for Bennett off the field.

Pending legal issues

Obtaining Michael Bennett does come with some possible off the field distractions.  If any team can overcome that it is the New England Patriots.

Along with some obvious political differences, Bennett has praised his new team including Tom Brady and his new head coach Bill Belichick, who may just sit on the opposite side of the arena when it comes to politics.

But, as anyone knows who follow those two living legends, the football field is what counts and Bennett will find that out.  As far as his off-the-field issues goes, the veteran defensive end received more good news Wednesday as Houston prosecutors filed a motion to drop an assault charge made by a 66-year-old paraplegic security staff worker for an incident that occurred at Super Bowl LI.

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Bennett was facing a maximum of 10 years in prison for a felony charge of injury to the elderly if he was found guilty.

Following Tuesday and Wednesday’s news, Michael Bennett has gained his freedom and a pay raise, which counts as a pretty good week.

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