Still a free agent since his contract with the Cowboys expired in 2020, Defensive Lineman Michael Bennett has opted for retirement. A 3-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion with the Seattle Seahawks, Bennett finished out his career in Dallas in 2019.
After losing Tyrone Crawford to injury last October, the Cowboys sent a 2021 sixth-round pick to the New England Patriots to add Bennett. Like Crawford, Michael had the flexibility to play both defensive end and tackle in Dallas' scheme.
Michael Bennett retires from the NFL after 11 seasonshttps://t.co/6hozAdv8Vq pic.twitter.com/1vHEb43of4
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 21, 2020
Playing as a rotation piece in just nine games, Bennett contributed four sacks in Dallas' disappointing 2019 campaign. Even at 34 years old he still flashed some of the play-making ability that had made him an NFL household name.
Bennett also immediately provided the Cowboys with another of Crawford's key traits; locker room leadership. The outspoken veteran reportedly called out teammates during Dallas' struggles last year as the team went 8-8 and failed to make the playoffs.
FA DE Michael Bennett wants to play in 2020, a source tells @dmn_cowboys Bennett played with Pats and Cowboys last season.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 27, 2020
Despite reports in March that Bennett wanted to continue playing this season, he remained unsigned as a free agent up until now. Given the current situation with COVID-19, especially this week as players have made a large outcry about health and safety concerns, it appears Michael would rather not take any further risks.
While his brief stint in Dallas will not be what most remember about Bennett, he did prove he could still contribute on the field. If nothing else, that he and his brother Martellus both played for the Cowboys will likely be an answer to a trivia question someday.
Inside The Star congratulates Michael Bennett on his retirement and the great career that led up to it, and wishes him all the best in the next chapter of life.
