Philadelphia Eagles: Is a Bennett brothers reunion brewing in South Philly?

After acquiring Michael Bennett from the Seahawks, could the Philadelphia Eagles facilitate a reunion with his recently released brother Martellus?

For the Philadelphia Eagles, two Bennetts may be better than one.

After flipping a fifth-round pick and second-year wide receiver Marcus Johnson to the Seattle Seahawks for three-time Pro Bowler Michael Bennett, the Eagles now have an opportunity to double down and sure up a position of need with his brother Martellus Bennett, as the 11th year tight end was released by the New England Patriots mere hours after his brother’s trade.

Bennett, a 30-year-old former Pro Bowler began the 2017 season as a member of the Green Bay Packers, but was waived with an injury midway through the season and ended up playing two games for the Super Bowl runner-up Patriots before landing on IR. And now, with the 2018 NFL calendar year set to open on March 14th, the 11th year veteran is back on the open market for the third time in as many seasons.

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I know, what are the odds, right? Just when the Eagles have a deceptive need for a tight end.

While he only played nine games in 2017, Bennett has been a rock-solid tight end over his 10 year NFL career, averaging over 688 yards and five touchdowns a year over between 2012-2016, and could be a perfect complement for Zach Ertz in 2018 with his current foil Trey Burton set to leave in free agency.

Though Bennett alluded to a desire to retire from football last fall, in February something changed in the former Pro Bowler, as he reaffirmed his desire to play in the NFL, and pledged that he would like to soldier on into his 11th professional season.

But as of March seventh, it won’t be in New England.

With a $2 million roster bonus due on March 14th, Bill Belichick and company decided to move on from Bennett, even with Rob Gronkowski contemplating his own retirement and allowed their insurance plan to walk a week before free agency.

Hopefully right down to South Philly.

After spending three seasons together at Texas A&M, the Bennett boys have never played together as pros, but maybe Howie Roseman could facilitate a reunion between the brothers? With Burton on the way out the door and Brent Celek flirting with retirement, signing Martellus to a one year, veteran minimum contract could ensure that the duo could play together at least once in the waning years of their careers and give the duo an opportunity to compete for their second Super Bowl ring.

While I’m sure a reunion in South Philly would mean a lot to the brothers, it could also pay major dividends for Doug Pederson‘s squad moving forward.

Just like with LeGarrette Blount last offseason, Martellus isn’t going to have a huge free agent market after a rocky 2017 and could excel on a one-year, prove it deal in The City of Brotherly Love.

In 2016, Bennett proved that he could play incredibly well with others when partnered with Gronk in New England, and formed one of the leagues best one-two tight end punches, and if the cap allows it, a similar fate could await him as a member of the Eagles. A natural blocker, the 6-foot-6, 275-pound Martellus could perfectly complement Ertz’s game and could add yet another wrinkle to Pederson’s incredibly potent offense.

Though it may only last for one season, unless Roseman can pull another rabbit out of his hat and work his GM magic on a multi-year deal, bringing Michael’s brother into the fold is the kind of move championship teams are built upon, and a chance to play together may be too good for Martellus to pass up.

Next: How can the Philadelphia Eagles afford Michael Bennett?

There’s an old saying that “iron sharpens iron” and bringing in Martellus could help to push Michael as he enters his 10th season in the league, and give the Philadelphia Eagles yet another wily veteran hungry for a chance to raise the Lombardy Trophy one more time. Plus, wouldn’t it be fun to stick it to the Patriots one more time?

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