The Chicago Bears are trying to build around Jay Cutler in hopes that the quarterback can improve in 2015 after another roller coaster season. While head coach John Fox has stated there will be a quarterback competition entering training camp, no one is expecting Jimmy Clausen to truly contend for the spot. As a result, getting the best skill position players on the field is a priority and that includes Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte.
Trade rumors have stated that both Bennett and Forte are available for dealing this offseason. Both stars have yet to appear at voluntary workouts for the Bears after reported unhappiness over their contract statuses. The Chicago Tribune reported that trades for both players have been explored prior to the draft. However, general manager Ryan Pace made it clear that both Bennett and Forte will be in Chicago next season.
"No, no, [Bennett has not asked to be traded]," Pace said, via ABC7Chicago.com. "With him, it's individual choices. I've been talking to him and his agent. We'd love for him to be here right now competing, especially with what we've got going right now. That's his individual choice and it's voluntary, but hopefully he'll be here sooner than later."
Bennett is entering the third year of a four-year contract signed back in 2013. The tight end is set to earn $4.9 million in 2015 after coming off a career-high season that included a Pro Bowl nod. Fox echoed the words of Pace stating that he expects Bennett to be a part of the Bears in 2015 along with Forte and he is hopeful that both players eventually come to workouts. However, he would not give either player a ringing endorsement for the future which is why there is a lengthy holdout happening.
"I have talked to [Bennett]," Fox said. "I kind of know where he is. With anybody that is not here, I prefer they are here. But he's part of our football team and we'll leave it at that."
The next move for Chicago will be to get Alshon Jeffery signed to a new contract. The newly drafted Kevin White is expected to run side-by-side with Jeffery while Eddie Royal rotates in and out. The Bears are hopeful those three receivers are enough to help Cutler out in 2015 while Forte along with Jacquizz Rodgers take care of the ground game.