John Schneider has said that the Seattle Seahawks do not plan to use their franchise tag on Michael Bennett.

The Super Bowl champions have previously identified re-signing the defensive lineman as one of their top priorities this off-season.

When asked whether the team would place their franchise tag on the 28-year-old, the general manager told the Seattle Times: "I don't anticipate that, no.

"We are going to try to do whatever we can possible to try to keep this core together and there are going to be tough decisions. There are a lot of days ahead that are going to be hard because there are going to be tough decisions."

Bennett made 31 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2013.