Martellus Bennett Trade Rumors: Latest News and Speculation on Bears TE
Published by Adam Wells on April 29, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have already dealt one of Jay Cutler‘s offensive weapons this offseason and seem willing to do it again with tight end Martellus Bennett.
Continue for updates.
Fox Comments on Bennett Trade Rumors
Thursday, April 30
Bears head coach John Fox said he spoke to Bennett regarding his status with the team, per USA Today‘s Arthur Arkush:
Akush passed along the full details and additional comments from Fox via ChicagoFootball.com:
Aside from a reported visit to see his teammates earlier this month, Bennett hasn’t been present at Halas Hall for the voluntary portion of the offseason program.
“You know, again, I’ve talked to him, I know where he is, and like I said yesterday, with anyone who isn’t here, I’d prefer they be here but he’s part of our football team and we’ll leave it at that,” Fox said.
It wasn’t left at that. Fox was asked next if Bennett is part of Chicago’s long-term plans.
“That’s a tough question to answer on anybody. I don’t know yet; we’re just evaulating practice … and this is our first opportunity this week.”
But how will Fox know for sure what he has in Bennett if he hasn’t seen him working with his teammates?
“Good question,” Fox said.
Pressed on whether he expects Bennett to still be on the roster by the time the draft concludes on Saturday, Fox stated bluntly, “Yes.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on April 29 that the Bears are listening to offers for Bennett as he seeks a new contract from any team willing to pay it:
One possible reason Bennett wants a new contract, per Rich Campbell of The Chicago Tribune, is because his current deal that runs through 2016 contains no more guaranteed money:
The Bears opened voluntary minicamp Tuesday with Bennett and star running back Matt Forte not attending as both seek new deals, per Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune.
Zach Zaidman of CBS 2 in Chicago spoke to Bears general manager Ryan Pace about Bennett’s absence, admitting he would like them to be at minicamp before acknowledging it’s voluntary:
Bennett has spent the past two seasons with the Bears after four years with the Dallas Cowboys and one with the New York Giants. The 28-year-old has 155 receptions for 1,675 yards and 11 touchdowns in 32 games with Chicago. He’s set to make $4.9 million in 2015, per Spotrac.com.
If the Bears are going to make a deal involving Bennett, it makes sense to take offers now with the draft beginning Thursday. New head coach John Fox has a lot of work to do upgrading this roster following a 5-11 record in 2014.
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