Michael Bennett, the defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, is trying to negotiate his contract with the team.

Bennett, who was absent from the recent Seahawks Organized Team Activities, declared his demand for a bigger pay while attending a dinner party and auction to fight childhood obesity on Friday at Bellevue, Seattle Times reported.

When asked why he was absent in the first three OTAs recently, Bennett replied, "Trying to get the contract right. I'll be there shortly. I don't know when I'll be there. Depends on the team and stuff. See how it works out.''

Then, he expressed he wanted a raise in pay that is commensurate to what he thinks he rightfully deserves. "Somewhere near the top seven at my position, top eight at my position. Not a lot of guys play inside and out (both tackle and end). Not a lot of guys do what I do. So I feel like I should be somewhere near there,'' he said.

The 29-year-old player reasoned out further, "€œI just want to be in the realm of the guys that play like me. €œThere are only so many guys that do what I do, and I would love to be like somewhere in there where they are at."€™

The defensive player clarified that he still wants to play with his Seattle team but emphasized the importance of the business side of his career. "I see myself being with the Seahawks. I think we have something special here and the things that we do in the community, the players that we have and the team and the coaches. I think it's a great organization. But at the end of the day, it's all about the business part of it."

Michael Bennett's Contract

Bennett signed a $28.5 million, four-year deal with the Seahawks last March 2014, giving him an average $7.125 million salary annually. The contract also has a $16 million guaranteed pay. His average annual salary currently sits at 14th place for all 4-3 defensive end players in the league, according to OvertheCap.com. Bennett is tied with another Seahawks 4-3 defensive lineman, Cliff Avril.

If he gets what he demands, his salary may shoot up to around the $10 million mark, near New Orleans Saints player Junior Galette's average salary of $10.375 million (7th place) and Denver Broncos defensive man DeMarcus Ware's $10 million (8th place).

However, John Schneider, the team's general manager, had already mentioned that the NFL team will not renegotiate with players who have more than one year remaining in their contracts, notes ESPN.

Bennett had the highest number of sacks in 2013 and 2014, accomplishing 8.5 and 7 sacks, respectively. Bennett also delivered 39 tackles, the highest number done by a defensive lineman last season, adds ESPN.

Watch Bennett's highlights in 2013, courtesy of 12thManUnitedTV YouTube channel.