The Chicago Bears could be undergoing more changes than just their coaching staff. After firing Marc Trestman and hiring John Fox to take over the team, personnel changes are next as the Bears struggled once again in 2014. There has been plenty of speculation of what those changes will consist of but most center around their biggest offensive performers. According to wide receiver Brandon Marshall, no one should be considered safe, including himself.
The Bears have not been happy regarding the team's record over the past few seasons and changes are on the horizon. Marshall understands that tough choices must be made and he understands he is on the chopping block in 2015.
"I don't think anybody would be [comfortable] sitting in the gray, but this is the National Football League," Marshall said, via the Chicago Tribune. "This is our business. It's not a unique situation. It happens every single year. Like I said in the middle of the season, some players think that when you lose, oh, the coach is going to be gone. No, they move players, too. I get that and understand that."
Marshall is one season removed from signing a contract extension with the Bears. He is set to make $7.5 million next season after coming off an injury-plagued season with just 721 yards to his name, his lowest amount of production since his rookie season. Those numbers pair with the rise of Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett and Marshall should feel a bit nervous. However, the idea that the Bears trade Marshall is highly unlikely. Injuries could very easily be blamed for the veteran's numbers in 2014 and the Bears are not going to dump him after one bad year.
Will Jay Cutler get the same benefit? The trade rumors have been circling Cutler ever since he signed that long-term contract a season ago. Cutler once again is taking the brunt of the blame for Chicago's downfalls this past year and there is no denying just how much money the team would save by getting rid of him. With new offensive coordinator Adam Gase taking things over, it is really speculation at this point what Cutler's future will look like. The trade market is small so if Chicago plans on moving him, they could be forced to just release the quarterback.
Will a trade of Matt Forte be the logical option if Cutler and Marshall stay put? The running back is entering the final year of his contract and will be expected to seek out an extension. Forte will be a $9.2 million cap hit which is the third-highest amongst running backs with Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy ranking in at one and two respectively. Forte would be the cap casualty if the Bears feel forced into one. At 29, Forte has not shown signs of slowing down, but his numbers certainly are not about to increase either. Forte could be out in 2015, but it all remains to be seen.