The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear content to allow Michael Bennett to slip away.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that "multiple teams have been in contact" with Bennett's camp, all but assuring that our fifth-ranked free-agent pass rusher will play as a hot property on the open market.
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Bennett has put on a show over the past seasons as a complete three-down end in Tampa's 4-3 defense. It's surprising the Bucs aren't making a stronger play for him after clearly outplaying the vast majority of his teammates -- especially Da'Quan Bowers.
Bennett accounted for nine sacks last season, but Tampa Bay's coaching staff sees him more as a pass rusher in the nickel package. They chose not to use the franchise tag on the 27-year-old, but another team will make Bennett a very wealthy man.
Bennett was helped by top-flight end Michael Johnson's franchise-tag designation from the Cincinnati Bengals. Even with Cliff Avril on the market along with Osi Umenyiora, John Abraham and Dwight Freeney, Bennett is going to find work on a team ready to appreciate what he brings.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
