Martellus Bennett wants $9 million annually

March 7 (UPI) -- Free agent tight end Martellus Bennett is unlikely to return to the New England Patriots at his current asking price.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Bennett is looking for $9 million annually on his next contract. The 29-year-old had seven touchdowns and 701 receiving yards on 55 receptions last year en route to his first Super Bowl.

The Patriots remained interested in re-signing the 2014 Pro Bowl selection as of last week, according to the Boston Globe. Ben Volin reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders could also be interested in signing the seven-year veteran. Bennett played the first four years of his career for the Dallas Cowboys before joining the New York Giants in 2012. He played three years for the Chicago Bears before being traded last March to the Patriots.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported last month that it would be "hard" for the Patriots to retain the 6-foot, 6-inch playmaker.