Should the Colts Trade for Michael Bennett?

Reports have surfaced that the Philadelphia Eagles are trying to trade 2-time Super Bowl champion and 3-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Michael Bennett. Is it worth it for the Colts to inquire on him as a possible trade target? Can he still have an impact despite a lot of tread on his tires?

Michael Bennett is 33 years old (will be 34 in November) and has a lot of experience under his belt. He’s been to 3 Super Bowls and has won 2 rings, has 3 seasons with 9 or more sacks, including last season, and is one of the most versatile defensive linemen in the NFL. Bennett possesses the ability to win on the edge or inside. He can play as a 5 technique, a 3 technique or even as a 7 technique. You can place him anywhere and he’ll perform.

Bennett has averaged over 8 sacks in the last 4 seasons and has been productive on three different teams and in several different systems. He has done his best work in a 4-3.

Current Contract

Bennett has 2 years remaining on his contract, with a cap hit of $7,200,000 in 2019 and $8,000,000 in 2020. If the Eagles were to retain none of his salary, then the Colts would be on the hook for those amounts.

With the Colts cap space at approximately $106 M heading into free agency, they can afford 12 of his contracts, so cap space is not an issue.

Trade Value

A 33 year old defensive linemen with a lot of miles isn’t going to fetch a high price. Throw in that the Eagles are actively shopping him and it just reinforces the idea that he’ll probably go for cheap. I can’t imagine a player who doesn’t have more than 2-3 years, with maybe one more top tier season left, getting anything more than a 4th or 5th round pick.

If we examine the defensive linemen trades from last season, you’ll see that Bennett is worth nothing more than a 5th round pick. Damon Harrison was traded for a 5th round pick at the deadline and I feel that’s a decent comparison for Bennett.

Is It Worth It?

If we work with the idea that Michael Bennett is worth a 5th round pick, then is it worth trading for him?

Yes.

How valuable is that 5th round pick? Most 5th round picks don’t have an impact on the team and many fizzle out after a few years. With Michael Bennett, you get a productive and experienced player for one or two seasons. Bennett has always been a good pass rusher and has gotten at least 4 sacks in each of the last 8 seasons. He also hasn’t had any major injury worries in his career, which assures the Colts that he’ll be on the field.

So, while this isn’t a long-term move, this is the type of move that can take a defense to the next level in the short term. Add a couple of high draft picks and a big signing or two, and the Colts defense can become very good next season. Michael Bennett is the type of player that Super Bowl teams have on their roster when they win it all. I believe this is a good opportunity the Colts should not pass up.