Chicago Bears Rumors: Martellus Bennett Done In Chicago
Martellus Bennett’s days are numbered with the Chicago Bears. The Bears will either trade or release their talented tight end at some point during the NFL offseason, according to reports.
ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter recently issued a tweet stating that the Chicago Bears and Martellus Bennett will work in tandem in an effort to find a trade partner. The news comes off the heels of the Bears acknowledging that they will not look to re-sign running back Matt Forte. If the Bears are successful in unloading Martellus Bennett to another team, only quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will remain from a Bears’ team that had one of the best offenses just a few seasons ago. The pending departure of Bennett will also be a continuation of a mass roster upheaval the Bears have conducted over the last 14 months.
It is believed that the request for a trade was Bennett’s. The Chicago Bears have yet to confirm or deny their intentions to move Martellus Bennett.
Bears working with Martellus Bennett's agent to find a trade partner. (via @AdamSchefter) https://t.co/r55uRTWpl9 pic.twitter.com/fsMVzOyaLm
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 4, 2016
Bears and Martellus Bennett's agent, Kennard McGuire, are working together to trade the tight end to an agreeable landing spot, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2016
If a trade cannot be made, it is nearly a guarantee that the Chicago Bears will cut the disgruntled Bennett and look elsewhere for playmakers at the tight end position. Knowing this, many teams may just wait to see if he will hit the open market, versus giving up an asset for him.
Fully expect if #Bears cannot find trade partner for Martellus Bennett, that they end up releasing him. Some around NFL doubt trade happens.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 4, 2016
Martellus Bennett has played the last three seasons with the Bears. He is in the last year of a four-year deal.
Changes to the Chicago Bears’ front office and coaching staff, namely the hirings of General Manager Ryan Pace and Coach John Fox have left several players wondering about their standing with the team. Not necessarily a sign a protest, but players such as wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and the aforementioned Martellus Bennett missed many of last offseason’s workouts.
It was rumored that Jeffery missed many of the Chicago Bears’ workouts because he was upset about the departure of receiver Brandon Marshall, who was traded to the New York Jets. As for Martellus Bennett, he wanted a new contract from the team.
It's been a long time coming but the #Bears are ready to trade TE Martellus Bennett: https://t.co/MQ74U4LXEh pic.twitter.com/3XOSt6H2so
— Jeremy Stoltz (@WJeremyStoltz) March 4, 2016
That new contract will no doubt come from another team. The Chicago Bears want to rid themselves of Bennett and his act, despite his obvious productivity. Martellus Bennett amassed 2,114 yards and 14 touchdowns on 208 catches. Over the past three seasons with the Bears, Bennett was targeted 305 times.
The reason why the Chicago Bears are looking to move on without Martellus Bennett is because his attitude outweighed his production in their eyes. It is a very similar situation to what led to the Brandon Marshall trade last offseason. The Bears are overhauling the roster in an effort to add more talent, and there is no place for personalities that are either outlandish or regarded as selfish. Anyone who has ever heard Martellus Bennett get interviewed or read one of his tweets will immediately realize that he is a quirky guy. There were reports of some selfish behavior from him throughout last season. Most notably, the Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers.
Signs of Martellus Bennett being a possible chemistry-tester came in the Bears’ 2014 NFL training camp. Bennett went after rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller after taking exception to how he was tackled. He was suspended for his role in the fight by then-head coach Marc Trestman.
It was revealed by Pro Football Talk that Martellus Bennett began complaining about his role in the Chicago Bears’ offense. He was a scratch for the nationally televised game on Thanksgiving, which only added more fuel to the fire that the relationship between him and the team was eroding.
The teams which may be interested in acquiring Bennett are the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and the Seattle Seahawks, which is where his brother Michael Bennett plays.
Other teams to keep an eye on are the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans.
There is absolutely zero chance that the Chicago Bears will make a trade with their most-hated rival, but if they cannot find a trade partner for Martellus Bennett and end up cutting him, look for the Packers to be intrigued.
[Photo Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]
