The Chicago Bears are missing several familiar faces as offseason workouts begin. Yes, these workouts are voluntary, but for a team that is entering a year with a new coaching staff, most players are expected to be in attendance. However, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett have yet to be spotted which could cause the Bears to alter draft plans come Thursday.
According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com, Bennett and Forte are nowhere to be seen in offseason workouts. Forte defended his absence on Twitter, making it clear that he was currently working out closer to home for the time being and people needed to remember that these practices were voluntary for players. There is no word on the exact reason Bennett is nowhere to be seen while some speculate contract issues are a factor. Bennett is due $10 million over the 2015 and 2016 seasons and some believe he is looking for a new deal over the one he signed before 2013.
While Bennett is safe on the roster, Forte has faced trade rumors for most of the offseason. The running back is well aware that his future is not secure as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract. The Chicago Sun-Times has made the case for dealing the veteran running back or at least drafting someone to eventually take his place. Considering the quality of his production, Forte will command a nice contract next year, one the Bears might not be willing to give for a player over 30. Chicago has been linked to draft deals for Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon as a result.
The Bears have options at the No. 7 pick. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, trade talks for Jay Cutler are officially over and unless Marcus Mariota falls into Chicago's lap, the team will not be selecting a quarterback in the first round. Instead, the Bears will look to either Amari Cooper or Kevin White at the pick to help bolster their offense.
Chicago would like to add one more elite receiver to the mix. After trading away Brandon Marshall, the pressure is on Alshon Jeffery to step up. The team signed Eddie Royal for depth, but getting players like White or Cooper would be a nice upgrade to help Cutler under center.