AP

As we move closer to the annual deadline for applying the franchise tag, here’s another guy who won’t be restricted with the kind of restriction we’d all like — a guaranteed eight-figure payday.

Per a league source, the Seahawks won’t be applying the franchise tag to defensive end Michael Bennett. Which means that he’ll hit the open market, a year after signing a one-year, $5 million deal to join Seattle.

Bennett surely is looking to parlay his one-year bet-on-himself contract into a bigger contract, the same way his brother, Martellus, previously did. The former Cowboys tight end signed a one-year deal with the Giants before cashing in last year, via a four-year deal with the Bears.The Seahawks want to keep Bennett around. And they still have eight days to work something out until the annual free-agency market opens.

Seattle also faces the potential loss of defensive lineman Clinton McDonald, who started the Super Bowl after starting only one game all season long. He racked up 5.5 sacks in 2013.

If one or both goes, we’ve got a feeling the Seahawks have a plan for replacing them effectively, whether by promoting from within or persuading a veteran (like Jared Allen) to take less in order to pursue a Super Bowl ring.