Michael Bennett re-signs with Seahawks, free agent class now woefully thin

The top expected free agent defensive end will no longer be hitting the market. Michael Bennett has re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on a reported 4-year deal. His non-availability makes the free agent market at defensive end nearly empty.

The Raiders were expected to go after a defensive end to help upgrade their anemic pass rush. Bennett was one of three players I had on the Raiders Free Agent Wishlist and he becomes the first of any player in the FA Wishlist series to no longer be available.

Other free agent defensive ends to be locked up include Everson Griffin, who re-signed with the Vikings and, Red Bryant who was cut from the Seahawks and signed with the Jaguars. Prior to that, the top two defensive ends, Greg Hardy and Brian Orakpo were both locked down with franchise tags.

The top remaining options at defensive end include Bennett's teammate and former Raider, Chris Clemons along with Cincinnati Bengals' Michael Johnson, former Vikings' veteran sack man Jared Allen, and of course Raiders' own Lamarr Houston.

The lack of options out there would make the departure of Lamarr Houston an even greater loss.

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