Multiple sources are reporting that the New England Patriots are finalizing a deal to acquire former Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The news was reported Friday by ESPN's Adam Schefter, as well as Jeff McLane, who covers the Eagles for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
According to Schefter, the Patriots are giving up their 5th round pick and will receive the Eagles' 7th round pick in the 2020 draft.
McLane said the Eagles decision to trade Bennett was based on the fact that they are returning both starters and he has said he prefers to start.
Bennett is the brother of former Patriots' tight end Martellus Bennett. Schefter reported Friday that Martellus is now interested in coming out of retirement to play with his brother in New England.
Michael Bennett had nine sacks and 25 tackles last season and is scheduled to make $7.2 million in 2019. The 33-year-old pass rusher won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. He was acquired by the Eagles last offseason from the Seahawks along with a seventh round pick in exchange for wide receiver Marcus Johnson and a fifth round draft choice.
Soon after that trade, Bennett was indicted on a felony count of injury to the elderly for allegedly injuring a paraplegic woman as he tried to get onto the field after the 2017 Super Bowl to celebrate with his brother.
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Bennett was a spectator at the game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas in February 2017 when he tried to get onto the field immediately afterward to see Martellus, who was playing for the Patriots at the time. Prosecutors allege he pushed through security personnel, including a 66-year-old disabled woman who had told him to use a different entrance to access the field. The woman, who was using a heavy, motorized wheelchair, suffered a shoulder injury when police say Bennett pushed her out of the way.
Authorities said Bennett also pushed two other stadium staffers out of the way, forced open locked doors, and disregarded an officer's commands.
Bennett pleaded not guilty last year. The case has still not been resolved. His most recent court date was postponed until March 27.
